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Serving the Present... Remembering the Past...
Air Force Weather

 


Departures
 January 2021 - Present


Departures from
January 2016-December 2020

January 2011- December 2015

January 2006 - December 2010

 December 2005 and earlier

The obituaries posted below have been submitted by family or friends.  Some notifications only provide the name and year of death and will be posted on the deceased list (for members only) at ../roster/Deceased Members.pdf

Obituaries are listed by when they are received and NOT by date.


 

Eve Josephine Bonadonna (nee Molinari) was born in Mineola, NY to Josephine (mother) and Robert (Father) on 29 January 1961. She lived in Franklin Square, NY, attended Monroe Street and Washington Street Grade School, H. F. Carey High School and graduated in the class 1979. She earned an Associate Degree in Mathematics at Nassau Community College in 1983. While in school, she excelled in mathematics, played French Horn in the Junior High and Senior High Bands and Orchestra, and Huntington Community Band. Eve also was an outstanding student athlete earning Junior Varsity and Varsity letters playing softball, tennis, badminton, and volleyball. Fiercely competitive, she was also a terror at the ping pong table. Eve met the love of her life, Michael Bonadonna, in her senior year of high school, maintained a long-distance relationship until they were married on 18 June 1983. A devoted wife and homemaker, Eve stood by her husband throughout his military career spanning seven states and three countries over 23 years. Her patriotism and support of military community earned her life-long friends and a place in the hearts of everyone she met. Eve and Michael settled in their forever home in Bowie, MD in 2003 where Eve turned a humble abode into a beautiful home filled with music and art. Her annual Christmas photo-newsletter chronicled their lives together and was eagerly anticipated by many dozens of friends and family. She is credited with co-writing over 50 songs with Michael recorded and published under the stage-name "DC SpaceDog" including two songs written for her , "Eve's Song" and "Love Eternally" . Eve passed peacefully at home on 12 November 2024 and was predeceased by Paul (brother) and is survived by her mother, Josephine, Bruce (brother), Judy (sister), and Lynn (sister).Visitation will occur at the Joseph Weber Funeral Home in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY on 16 an 17 November. She will be buried in the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury NY on 18 November.

Keith Charles Ross, COL USAF (Ret.)July 12, 1942 - September 12, 2024 VISITATION: Monday, September 30, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the West Center Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, October 1st at 10:30 a.m., at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 925 S. 84th St., GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Tuesday, October 1st at 2:30 p.m., at Omaha National Cemetery with Military Honors.To view live broadcasts of the Funeral and Graveside Services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the "Live Cast" button at the top of the home page.

David Dwight Cramblet, age 65, a beloved long-term resident of Crestview, Florida, peacefully departed this earthly realm on July 8, 2024, after a life beautifully lived in service to his family, country, and faith in Christ. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, David was distinguished by his 42 years of dedicated service in the United States Air Force and the Department of Defense. He was cherished as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. David is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Lori. He leaves behind his children, Matthew (Keisha) Cramblet, Jared (Kelby) Cramblet, and Kristin (James) Fuller, and his adored grandchildren, Easton Fuller, Ainsley Cramblet, and Ocean Cramblet. He is also survived by his parents, David S. Cramblet and Lois Cramblet, and his sisters, Debbie (Mark) Gordon and Dawn (William) Owens. In honor of David's impactful life, a celebration service will be held on Tuesday, July 16th at 11:00 am with the visitation starting at 10:30 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, located at 3252 E James Lee Blvd. We will gather to celebrate his enduring legacy and the profound influence he had on all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a college fund for his cherished grandchildren. Donations can be sent to Jared Cramblet via Paypal (@jcramjam) or Venmo (@Jared-Cramblet), with the note Cramblet Grandchildren College Fund. David s life was a testament to dedication, love, and faith, and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

Rocco Calaci, SMSgt, USAF (Ret) passed away June 22, 2024.  Details to be posted when available.

Marlyn Randall Miller, 80, of Belleville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at HSHS St. Elizabeths Hospital in O Fallon, IL.
Marlyn was born June 14, 1943 in Williamsport, PA to Robert E. and Helene (Blatchley) Miller. They preceded him in death. Marlyn is survived by his loving wife, Chin Suk (Oh) Miller of Belleville, IL; children Randy, Cindy, Andrew & Aaron. He retired from the United States Air Force after 26 years of service and Boeing formerly know McDonald Douglas after 26 years. He was a man of many accomplishments; he wore man hats and filled many different types of shoes. His hobbies where forecasting the weather, spending time in the garden, exercising and being there for his wife and kids. Cremation rites have been accorded under the direction of Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. Memorial donations may be made to Chin Suk Miller and mailed to Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N. Illinois St. Fairview Heights, IL 62208.

Charles L. Travers, age 79 of Maryville, IL, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was born February 18, 1945 in East Falmouth, MA to the late Fred Travers, Sr. and Hazel (nee Leite) Travers. He honorably served in the United States Air Force for 24 years, and retired as a post weather analyst at Scott Air Force Base. He was an avid Boston Red Sox baseball and Boston Bruins hockey fan. He was a member of Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville and involved in the Mens Booster Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Angela Marie Travers, who passed away December 5, 2020; an infant brother, Fred; a brother, Fred Travers, Jr.; and three sisters: Daphne Bigcraft, Pat Clark, and Loretta Pingelski. Surviving are his loving wife, Lorraine (nee Kugel) Travers, whom he married September 19, 1970; a son, Charles (Brandy) Travers Jr. of Alexandria, VA; a daughter, Stephanie (Carl) Travers of Gilbert, AZ; a grandson, Rhys; two sisters: Brenda (George) Cabral and Geraldine (Rich) Castleberry both of East Falmouth, MA: nieces and nephews. Memorial visitation will be 4 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville. Memorial mass will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville with Father Rob Johnson celebrant. Memorials are suggested to Disabled American Veterans or mass intentions to Mother of Perpetual Help and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.

Claudia L. Borchers, 78, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Apr 13, 2024 at the Madrid IA Nursing Home.
Claudia was born Claudia Lynn Hamilton on Jul 18, 1945 to Claudia L. and Lewellyn (Nessmith) Hamilton in Statesboro GA. She was always called Lynn. Most of her early years were spent in Texas and Oklahoma before moving to Savannah GA where she graduated from Jenkins High School in 1963. Lynn married Robert Borchers on Mar 9, 1963 in Savannah GA. Her husband was in the Air Force and for the next 28 years, they lived in 13 different states until his retirement in 1991. Lynn and Bob traveled extensively in their time together visiting nearly all our 50 states and numerous foreign countries. Lynn attended college and had several interesting jobs including managing a health club and working 10 yrs for civil service. Lynn enjoyed doing crafts and was an avid quilter. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents. Lynn is survived by her husband of 61 yrs, Bob; daughter, Kelly J. Martin (Doug), Arlington Heights IL; son, Scott C. Borchers (Karen), OFallon IL; sister, Judy Thompson, Tybee Island GA; sister, Elizabeth A. Stanley, Trenton MI; 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 2 PM at St. John's Lutheran Church (104 S. Market Street Madrid, Iowa). Lynns ashes will reside at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Denver, IA. Memorials may be sent to the Iowa Chapter of the ALS Association, 3636 Westtown Parkway, West Des Moines IA 50266, infoia@als.org or Suncrest Hospice,5959 Village View Dr, Suite100, West Des Moines IA 50266.

CMSgt Frank William Vlcek, 87,USAF (Ret) passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023, in Sarasota, Florida. Frank was born on September 13, 1936, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His gentle manner, warm smile and Big Bear Hugs will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Frank was a proud 30-year (1955-1985) Air Force Veteran, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. He served around the world as a weather forecaster, solar observer, Inspector Geneal team member and finally as the Senior Enlisted Advisor of the 5th Weather Wing. Upon retirement he continued to serve in the Postal Service in Yorktown, Virginia for another 13 years. Frank loved to garden and it's where he spent most of his retirement. He was well known for his green thumb, he could "root a stick." Frank is preceded in death by his father, Frank, his mother, Alvina (nee Hrasky), his loving wife of 50 years, Shirley (nee Louvier), and his wife of 8 years, Debbie (nee Chandler). Frank is survived by his daughters Christine Ford (Brian) of Ojai, California and Linda Sturdivant of Sarasota, FL; his four grandchildren Jason Sturdivant of S. Carolina, Kevin Ford (Heesoo) of Oregon, Shelley Terbilcox (Dan)of Virgina, and Cara Yeager (Travis) of St. Louis, Missouri; his eight beautiful great-grandchildren; as well as many sisters-in-laws, brother-in-law, cousins, nephews, and nieces. Frank's family thank the wonderful and caring staff at Tidewell Hospice House in Lakewood Ranch, FL, the Pines Rehabilitation and Senior Care Facility of Sarasota, and the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Pulmonary Care. To honor Frank, please consider donating to Tidewell Hospice (www.tidewell.org), or an organization of your choice. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL. Military Honors and burial of his cremated remains follow in St. John's Cemetery, Collinsville, IL.


Col William D. Klein (USAF, Ret.)
died on January 13, 2024. Bills 80th birthday was celebrated by family and friends last November and his and Robins 57th anniversary was January 7 this year. He was born November 3, 1943, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Bill and Audrey (Cronkhite) Klein. He lived there with his parents until 1953, when they moved to Albuquerque. Bill graduated from New Mexico Military Institute in 1961. He received his Bachelors Degree in Mathematics in 1965 from New Mexico Tech. In October, 1966, Bill went to Air Force Officer Training school where he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on January 4, 1967. He married Robin Kay Melton on Jan 7, 1967. The AF sent him to school at University of Michigan the summer of 1967 and he received his Masters Degree in Meteorology in May, 1968. In June 1968, 2 weeks after he left for RAF Bentwaters, Bill and Robins first child was born. Their twins were born in England on his birthday in 1969. In 1971, Bill was assigned to MIT where he completed his PhD in Meteorology. He spent the rest of his 26 years in the AF as a meteorologist. He attended Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff School as well as the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Bill retired in 1992 with the rank of Colonel. Bill was an avid photographer and an expert photo processor. His work has been shown in the Albuquerque area at various venues. He was also an avid consumer of chocolate. He didn like coffee, but it was a great foil for getting more chocolate in his mouth so he drank plenty of it laced with a ridiculous amount of chocolate creamer. Bill is survived by his wife, Robin; his children, Karel Klein Ruy (David), Bill Klein (Kelly) and Marje Klein and 8 grandchildren, Jared Kerney, Nicole Fleming, Forest Florini, Molly Klein, Cutter Florini, Will Klein, Dashiell Ruy and Ellery Ruy. He is also survived by his brother Jim Klein, and sisters Linda Caldarelli, Dot Bodiroga and Patty Poole. A memorial service will be held at the Alegria Community Center in Bernalillo at 10:00 a.m. on February 4, 2024 . In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Friends of Bosque del Apache. That was his favorite spot for wildlife photography. Donations in his memory may be sent to may be sent to PO Box 340, San Antonio, NM 87832.

 

Melvin Edward Clark, 88, of State College passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Mount Nittany Medical Center due to complications from long illnesses. Melvin was born the first of four children to Samuel Clark and Anna (Reed) Clark on February 18, 1935 in Lincoln County, Nebraska in his grandparents farm home. He graduated from Arnold High School, Arnold, NE as class salutatorian and enlisted in the U.S. Army the Fall after graduation, after the corn was picked. He became a Signal Corps Lineman, and served in Germany.
After he was released from active Army service he attended college in Kearney, NE intending to become an engineer, but decided by the end of one semester he did not really enjoy making mechanical drawings and blueprints, and changed his major to physics and mathematics. However, after one year of college he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and worked in weather for the remainder of his military service. He was a Weather Observer (now known as Apprentice Weather Forecaster), then was an instructor in the Weather Observer training program, where he also continued his college studies in his free time at the University of Illinois. He applied for and received a scholarship from the Air Force to continue his studies in meteorology at Pennsylvania State University. At Penn State he began international folk dancing and Bavarian folk dancing in his spare time. This was where he met Carolyn Jeanne Smith, and they were married on Dec. 8, 1962. After receiving his bachelors degree in meteorology from Penn State he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Air Force, and served as a weather detachment weather forecaster and chief forecaster. He continued his graduate studies in meteorology at New York University, was appointed an advanced weather officer and assigned to the USAFE Forecast Center in Germany. During his time at the USAFE Forecast Center, he served as the Forecaster Team Chief, then Chief of Quality Control, and Chief Forecaster before his final Air Force assignment as Supervisor of the enlisted weather forecaster course. After he retired from military service, the family moved to Pennsylvania, where Mel attended Penn State and earned a teaching certificate in secondary education to teach physics, mathematics, earth science subjects he subsequently taught in high schools. Mel also taught two semesters of chemistry when there was no one else available. He earned his Masters in Earth Science, but became interested in the philosophical, historical, and sociological foundations of education, continuing on to earn his Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Policy; he also taught this subject at various Penn State campuses in the 1980s and 1990s.
Mel continued his interest in folk dancing, serving as an officer in various dance clubs. His folk-dance hobby became his raison d'tre after he was fully retired from teaching. He has been a member of many different dance groups: international folk dance, contra dance, Scottish Country Dance, English Country Dance, ballroom couple dance, Irish set dance, and Bavarian/Tyrolean dance. He also amassed an extensive set of instructions, music, and videos of those different dance types. He was predeceased by his parents and by his sister (Lennie). He is survived by his wife, Carolyn of State College; his sons, Morgan (Batja) of New Jersey, Alex of State College; brothers George Clark (Mary) and Harold Clark (Sharon) of Missouri; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 12pm 2pm on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 pm with Reverend Evelyn Wald officiating. Burial will be on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin Clark, please visit Tribute Store

 

John Edward Klag, 84 of North Las Vegas NV, passed away on 9 January 2024. Jack is survived by his loving wife Ruth, three children Kenneth, Steven, and Lisa and two grandsons, Jacob and Darrell.
Jack was born 10 Dec 1939 to Wilbur and Edith Klag in Queens NY. After graduating Chaminade High School, Jack went on to study at St. Michaels College and was commissioned in the United States Air Force.

Jack and Ruth met in first grade and married during his Senior year in college and would spend the next 30 years living the life of a military family. Stationed at multiple locations, including Fort Meade, Maryland; Mannheim, Germany; Glasgow, Montana; Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska; Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama; Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and concluded with a final assignment at the Pentagon.

Jack dedicated himself to the field of Meteorology, serving as a Weatherman from 1961 to 1985 across various roles within the Air Force. During this time, he led a team of over three thousand personnel, delivering precise weather forecasts to the Air Force on a global scale. In 1985, Jack transitioned to a new role as Deputy Commander at the Command and Control Systems Office, Tinker Air Force Base, focusing on the development of computer software policies. Later, he assumed the position of Chief of Staff at the Standard Systems Center, Maxwell Air Force Base, overseeing the implementation of newly introduced Computer Systems Communications Systems Acquisition. Jack's distinguished military career culminated in his retirement in 1991 as a Full Colonel, serving as the Vice Commander of the 7th Communications Group at the Pentagon. Throughout his service, he received prestigious awards, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service, and Air Force Commendation.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Jack and Ruth returned to Colorado Springs, where Jack continued to make significant contributions to the field of Computer Science. From 1992 to 1997, he served as a professor and Undergraduate Academic Counselor for Computer Science and Management Information Systems at Colorado Technical University. During the period of 1997 to 2000, in addition to his role as an Adjunct Professor, Jack served as a Project Coordinator and Manager for various companies, addressing the Y2K concern. He developed budgets, plans, and mitigations to ensure uninterrupted services during this critical time.

In 2000, Jack assumed the role of Dean of Computer Science, Information Technology, and Visual Communications at Colorado Technical University. During this period, he earned his Doctorate in Computer Science. Jack played a crucial role in developing adaptable curriculums to keep pace with evolving technologies, managed a team of full-time adjunct professors to maintain teaching quality, and served as the Director of Education during vacant periods.

Throughout Jacks career his focus was always on the people that worked for him. He believed that if we were not enjoying our job then something needed to change. He was known for telling it like it is in a way that was genuine and always productive.

Jack inherited a passion for golf from his father, and he began playing the sport in his early 30s, enjoying it for the next 50 years He got his first hole in one at the age of 77! Jack was a coach for Little League, a swim official, and a sponsor of Air Force Academy Cadets, Amy and Andrea.

Jack and Ruth retired to the desert in 2008. He continued golfing and was active in many clubs until his death.

A funeral mass for John will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2575 W. El Campo Grande, North Las Vegas, NV 89031. Following the funeral mass will be a committal service from 1:20 PM to 2:00 PM at Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005.

Ed BosellyRet. Lt. Col. Shirley Edward Boselly III

Our dad, Jan's husband of 47 years, passed away peacefully Monday morning. We were not expecting it but are grateful he wasn't in pain long. His wife, children, and sisters-in-law were able to visit him before he passed. "Ed" Boselly was born Jan 20, 1940, to S Edward Boselly II and Marjorie Hedman. He had one sister, Joan, who passed away a few years ago. With his first wife, he adopted two children, and had a third. He divorced and married his love, Janet, who brought in two more children, and together had one more child. All the kids have J names. Jason, Jennifer, Jennifer L, Jeffrey, Julie, and Jeremy. We called dad "Jed"so he'd fit in. Dad grew up in Seattle. He attended Franklin High School where his father taught math. He went on to attend Dartmouth, University of Washington (BS in Chemistry, BS in atmospheric science), and University of Utah (MS in meteorology). He was also a Ph.D. student at Colorado State University. Dad joined the Air Force in May 1963. He was a weather serviceman and moved up the ranks to Lt. Col. before retiring in 1985. His service years took him around the world. He served in Viet Nam, he was stationed in Biloxi, Ft Collins, Lakenheath, England, Scott AFB, IL, and retired in Washington where he was born. He continued to work in the weather field, applying his knowledge to road surfaces and climates for various states. Read more here: Road Weather Information Systems. His years after the Air Force, he worked as a high school math teacher, worked for private corporations in road surface planning, WA DOT, then ended up as a private consultant. Some of his many accomplishments: Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service 1966
Distinguished Alumni, University of Utah, Department of Atmospheric Sciences

He loved to tell Dad jokes. He loved his weekly coffee group. He loved to yell "Haywhen we passed a farm. He loved Franklin High School stories, and he loved his family. We miss him very much.

 

William Cavanaugh, MSgt. (Ret.) Read Obituary

Major MICHAEL F. CORBETT (USAF Retired), age 76, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, April 23, 2023, with his loved ones at his side. Mike had courageously battled Primary Progressive Aphasia, a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gradual dissolution of the ability to communicate, since 2018. Mike was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 27, 1947, the son of the late Leonard Patrick Corbett and Elizabeth (Betty) Miller. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on 29 September 1967 and started his career as a member of a Special Operations Weather Team and earned the prestigious Honor Graduate award from the Combat Control Training School. Following fourteen years in the enlisted force, Mike completed a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Texas A & M University and was commissioned as an officer on 3 December 1981. During his 31-year military career, he served in various weather-related positions, including Forecaster for Air Force One, Staff Weather Officer, Weather Station Commander, and War Planning Officer. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Mike completed his Master of Science in Human Resources and Development at Chapman University. He continued his service career for 13 more years as an Air Force Junior Reserve OfficersTraining Corps Instructor at Northside High School, guiding and molding hundreds of future leaders.
He is survived by his wife: Ursula Corbett; three children: Lenny Corbett; Katherine Corbett; David Corbett with his wife Christina Corbett and his Mother Linda Smith; his sister Jane and her husband Robert Tatum; his brother William (Bill) and his wife Gloria Howell; his grandchildren: Kyle and Samantha Corbett; and his great-grandson Nathaniel Corbett. Also mourning his passing are extended family members in Florida and New York. As a lifelong scientist with an interest in contributing to the advancement of research into dementia treatments, Mike donated his brain to the Mayo Clinic. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the National Aphasia Association to bring awareness to a disorder affecting more than 2,000,000 Americans. The family would like to thank the private caregivers and Gentiva Hospice for their service and guidance during his passing.

Phillip Poyner, Capt. USAF (Ret.) We at NWS Hastings have some very sad news to share - our Meteorologist-In-Charge (MIC) Phillip Poyner passed away unexpectedly late last week. It was a complete shock to all of us and were just in the beginning phases of mourning the loss and adjusting to our new reality. Please keep Phils family, friends, and the entire NWS community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Nobody was more dedicated to the NWS mission than Phil. In fact, he worked the dayshift on Thanksgiving Day so another employee would be able to share it with their family. Prior to his arrival in Hastings in April of 2020, Phil started his meteorology career as a weather observer in the Air Force, completing his initial technical school at Chanute AFB in 1983. Following several assignments around the globe, in 1996 Phil was selected for Officer Training School and received his commission as a Weather Officer in 1997, and later his graduate degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and Colorado State University. He retired from the Air Force in 2007, with his 24-year career including deployments to Turkey, Angola, Haiti, Panama, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.
He began his NWS career as an Aviation Meteorologist at the Minneapolis CWSU 11 days after retiring from the Air Force. In 2011, he was selected to be the MIC of the same unit. During his 12 years with the Minneapolis CWSU, they were awarded the NOAA Unit Citation four times. In addition to his regular duties, he was selected as one of 6 meteorologists in the Standby Component of the State Depts Civilian Response Corps for 3 years, served on both the Field Communications Network and as the CWSU representative on the Field Leadership Committee. Phil also worked as a contractor with the World Bank to produce an assessment and a roadmap for future Hydromet services in Afghanistan.
Funeral arrangements are still pending. Again, please keep Phils family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. We offer our sincerest condolences to all those impacted by this loss.
NWS Hastings, NE

Wilbur Hugh Clark, 82, of O'Fallon, IL, born Friday, August 1, 1941, in Tuscola, IL, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Wil retired from the United States Air Force as a meteorologist after 20 years of service. He also served during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Sterling Baptist Church Fairview Heights IL, Turkey Hill Grange and IL Trekkers Volkssport Club.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol A., nee Block, Clark, parents, Theodore R. and Rheba H., nee Snedeker, Clark and son-in-law, Robert E. Morse Jr. Surviving are his sons, David W. Clark of O'Fallon, IL, and Sean M. Clark of O'Fallon, IL, daughters, Karla M. (Charles) McKee of O'Fallon, IL, and Kayce (Kevin) Jenne of St. Peter, IL, seven grandchildren, Jarrett (Kristen) Clark, Wesley Clark, Clark "Jr" McKee, Grant McKee, Jonathan Harrawood, Robert Morse, III, and Samantha Morse, three great grandchilden, Ryan Franklin, Eleanor Clark, and Genevieve Clark, and four step-grandchildren Taylor, Lauren, Will, and Alex Jenne.
Express condolences at www.kurrusfh.com.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Sterling Baptist Church of Fairview Heights, IL or the KLE at the First Baptist Church of O'Fallon, IL.
Visitation: Visitation will be held Monday, September 4, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Sterling Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, IL and from 9:30 to 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the Sterling Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, IL
Funeral: Funeral will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sterling Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, IL with Rev. David Gray and Rev. Ed Ingram officiating. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO with honors.

Frank W. Rogers, 93, of Middletown, passed away on August 17, 2023 at Wadsworth Glen Health Care Center. He was born in New Britain on September 5, 1929, son of the late Frank and Elizabeth Axelby Rogers. He was the brother of ten deceased siblings. He attended local schools and was employed by Corbin Screw before entering the United States Air Forces serving as Sargent in the Air Weather Service during the Korean War. He was stationed in Japan and Iwo Jima.
Frank is survived by his devoted son Richard Rogers of Middletown and a close Friend Grace. Also, many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday at 12:15 at The D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main St. Burial will be in the State Veteran's cemetery, Middletown. Relative and friends may call at the Funeral Home Thursday from 11 until the time of the Service.

Don R. Van Leuven was born on Aug. 11, 1936 in LaCrescenta, CA, to Philip R. Van Leuven and Evelyn R. Hougan. The family moved to Seattle, WA, where he graduated from Cleveland H.S. in 1955. Don went on to college at Washington State University in Pullman, where he met Carolyn Garing and they were married on Sept. 1, 1957. While at WSU Don joined the US Air Force ROTC program. Upon earning his degree in Agricultural Engineering, the Air Force sent him to Penn State University where he earned a degree in Meteorology. Don's first assignment was to the Azores Island. His 30 years of service took him and his family to many places, including California, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Oklahoma bases. He was stationed at Guam during the Vietnam War and had two tours of duty in Korea. Don served on the Star Wars program at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and his last assignment was at Fairchild AFB in Spokane, WA. He retired after a 30-year career. He still had the travel bug upon retiring, and Don and Carolyn had many motorhome outings with the Inland Empire Explorers. They made many trips to Alaska in the motorhome and fishing trips and cruises with friends. Don and Carolyn also became snowbirds and went to Florence, AZ. Don enjoyed watching sports and playing golf. Nature was always very important to him. Don's wife, Carolyn of 65 years, passed away on April 11, 2023. Survivors include daughter, Diane Van Leuven of Spokane, WA; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and KC Sutton of Spokane, WA; their son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Angie Van Leuven of Oklahoma City, OK. They have four grandsons and one great-grandson. Don is also survived by a brother, Jack; and Dorothy Van Leuven of Lacey, WA. Don was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn and father Philip R. Van Leuven. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the National Parks Association. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 21, 2023, at Noon at the Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 E. 65th Ave., Spokane, WA, 99223. Inurnment previously held at the WA State Veterans Cemetery. Please visit Don's page at www.hazenjaeger.com

Carolyn Van Leuven was born February 7, 1937, in Seattle, WA, to Athol B. Garing and Mildred Everett. Their family moved to Coulee Dam. Carolyn went to college at Washington State University in Pullman, WA, where she met Don Van Leuven, and they were married on September 1, 1957. Carolyn was a dutiful Air Force wife and homemaker, raising their three children. When they moved to Spokane and the kids were no longer in the household, she took a job with the city library system. Upon Don's retirement, Carolyn also retired so they could travel on many motorhome outings with the Inland Empire Explorers. They took many trips to Alaska, cruises with friends, and became snowbirds in Florence, Arizona. Carolyn enjoyed reading and shopping trips with her daughters. Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Diane Van Leuven of Spokane, WA; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and KC Sutton of Spokane, WA; and their son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Angie Van Leuven of Oklahoma City, OK. They have four grandsons and one great-grandson. Carolyn is also survived by a brother, Bill and Carol Garing of Redmond, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Parks Foundation.
A Memorial Service for both Carolyn and Don will be held Friday, April 21, 2023, at noon at Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 East 65th Avenue Spokane, WA. 99223. Inurnment previously held at the WA State Veterans Cemetery.

Umberto Milo Amerio, 97, retired Air Force Colonel, passed away peacefully in his Waipahu home on May 13, 2023. The son of Italian immigrants, Bert was born on Feb. 2, 1926, in San Francisco. His military career began at age 17 when he joined the Navy to serve his country during World War II. As a radio operator, he earned the nickname Sparky. After WWII Bert met the love of his life, Tessie Groesbeck, to whom he was married for 75 years.
Bert joined the Air Force in 1950. He served as a Pilot, Meteorologist, Director of Rescue and Recovery in Latin America for the astronaut program, and Director of Research and Development of Civil Engineering. He received many awards and commendations, including the Legion of Merit Medal. Bert graduated from University of California (Bachelor of Science, Business), Texas A&M (Oceanography and Meteorology degrees), Michigan State, and The War College. Bert retired from the Air Force in Hawaii where he opened several businesses including Far East Trading Company an import business; General Business Services and Tax Tech Hawaii, tax and consulting businesses; Images and Accents gift boutique; and obtained his realtors license.
He continued to discover his talents, like jewelry making and watercolor painting which was displayed in an art show. Those who knew Bert loved his sense of humor and were entertained and inspired by his songs, stories, and way of life. Hes a lifetime member of Elks Lodge, National Tax Practitioners Institute, Philatelic Society, Rotary International Paul Harris Society, and a Charter Member of The National World War II Museum. Selflessly devoted to country and family, Berts life is joyously celebrated by his wife Tessie; daughters Terri Amerio-Bell (Howard), Denise Sudik (Jim), Gail Martin (Jim); 9 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; surviving sister, Mary Amerio Rosetto; and countless family and friends. A Celebration of Life for Bert will be held July 31, 11:30 am, at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, arrangements through Oahu Mortuary. Remembrances in Umberto (Bert) Amerios memory may be sent to Alzheimers Association, Bristol Hospice, Honolulu Elks Lodge 616, and The Rotary Foundation.

Ramon WilkinsRetired Colonel Ramon C. Wilkins passed away on 1 June, 2023. He was born on 1 July, 1930 in Hornersville, Missouri. His parents, Lester N. Wilkins and Geraldine Parks Wilkins, later moved the family to Senath, Missouri where he graduated Valedictorian from Senath High School in 1948. He attended Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) in Cape Girardeau where he met and married Lawana Bingenheimer on 23 December, 1950. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from SEMO in 1951. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 and served as an officer in the Air Weather Service until he retired in 1981. He furthered his education while in the service at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
After retiring, he and his wife moved to Tucson, Arizona where he enjoyed playing golf, reading, listening to classical music, and volunteering at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum as a Docent. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lawana, in August, 2014. He is survived by a sister, Sally Harris (Mike) of Platte City, Missouri, a son, David M. Wilkins of Burbank, California, and a daughter, Susan W. Reynolds (Barry) of Madison Heights, Virginia. He has 2 grandchildren, Meghan Chilton (Chris) of Henrico, Virginia and Rachael Reynolds.of Lynchburg, Virginia. He also has 3 great-grandchildren, CJ and Malachi Chilton and Alayna White. His cremated remains rest at the VA National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona with his deceased wife. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ramon Wilkins, please visit Tribute Store

 

Holliday, Charles R. March 31, 1943 - June 3, 2023 Passed away on June 3, 2023 and was born in Missoula, MT, on March 31, 1943. Charles served in the US Air Force Big Springs, TX, Guam and Offutt Air Force Base Bellevue, NE. (Ret. Lt. Col.) 1968-1993 with many honors. He enjoyed Baseball and American History. He also judged The International High School Science Fair for over 20 years in the U.S. and other countries. He has written several articles on Typhoons in the Tropics and other meteorological publications. Survived by wife Suzan and nephew Geoff Holliday. Funeral Service: 10:30am Saturday, June 10, 2023, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church 7790 S 192nd St. Gretna, NE.

David Michael (Mike) Booth LtCol. USAF (Ret) was born on July 25th, 1942 to Herbert A. and Dorothy L. Booth in Cleburne, TX at Cooks Hospital. Mike passed away on June 5, 2023.
He grew up in Cleburne attending Henderson Street Baptist Church and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at age 12. After graduating from Cleburne High School in 1960, Mike enrolled in Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in meteorology. Each summer while attending A&M, he worked as a Meteorological Student Trainee for the National Weather Service. While attending A&M, Mike was a member of the Corps Of Cadets attaining the rank of Cadet Major. In May 1964, Mike graduated with a BS degree in Meteorology and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Shortly thereafter he married his longtime sweetheart Jacksie Ritchmond and together they began their journey of military life at Mikes first duty assignment as a military meteorologist at Sewart AFB in Smyrna, TN.

In 1968, Mike returned to Texas A&M under the Armed Forces Institute of Technology program graduating in 1970 with his Master of Science degree in Meteorology. Mike served at several Air Force bases including a tour of duty at Nakhon Phanom Royal Air Base in Thailand. Mike was also a graduate of the Squadron Officer School and the Air Command and Staff College. He retired in 1989 while stationed at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth serving as the 7th Bomb Wing Staff Weather Officer and Commander of the base weather detachment after 25 years of service attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He received several awards during his service including three Air Force Commendation Medals and two Meritorious Service Medals. In 1989 Mike received the Operational Achievement award from the National Weather Association for outstanding achievement in operational performance.

After a brief period of retirement, Mike began his second career working for American Airlines in Fort Worth as an aviation meteorologist retiring in 2003. After his retirement, Mike and Jacksie continued their travel experiences and have visited every state in the Union. They also went on cruises to Alaska, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, and around the British Isles. One of the excursions included a visit to the Normandy Battlefield and Cemetery; a place Mike had always wanted to visit. Mike and Jacksie have been members of Wedgwood Baptist Church since 1984 where he taught adult Sunday School for many years until his physical condition forced him to quit. In 2014, Mike was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease known as sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jacksie, his daughter Michael Ann Jameson and husband Ron of Fort Worth, his son David L. Booth and wife Alicia of Lavon, Tx and seven grandchildren; Caitlyn Jameson, Courtney Hunter and husband Caleb, Tanner Booth, Emmaleigh Booth, Connor Jameson, Hunter Roy and Reece Roy.

Norm RauscherNorman F. Rauscher, Colonel USAF(Ret) December 20, 1934-May 6, 2023  Norm Rauscher was born and raised in Sublimity. He graduated from Oregon State University and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force in 1956. He was on active duty for over 30 years. He served as a squadron and wing commander, and retired as the Vice Commander of the USAF Air Weather Service. He completed post graduate work at the University of Washington(Atmospheric Science) and Auburn University(MBA). He was a distinguished graduate of the USAF War College. He is survived by his wife Carol Courtney Rauscher of Sublimity, Oregon; his son Gregory of Stayton, Oregon and four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Rauscher and daughter Leslie Rissberger. Norm served in many locations during his Air Force career, to include France, Vietnam, Alaska, California, Illinois, Alabama, Hawaii, Washington, Texas, Arizona, and South Dakota. He received many awards and decorations, to include the Bronze Star Medal for operations in Vietnam. He was also proud that his son Major Jeff Rauscher, USAF and his grandson Mike Rissberger as a US Army Green Beret Major had also received the Bronze Star Medal for their military activities. Norm enjoyed all athletics, and was an avid runner and hunter. He particularly enjoyed deer and elk hunting. He often remarked that it was ironic that he was born in the house closest to the center of Sublimity, and after traveling around the world in the USAF, would be buried two blocks from the house in the old school ball field now part of the St. Boniface Cemetery. After retiring from the USAF he worked for the Oregon Department of Transpertation as a Senior Project Manager and later as a Consultant to them, retiring in 2013. Over the years he served on various board of directors to include the Alaska USA Credit Union, Marion County Rural Advisory Council, President of the Stayton City Council, Secretary of the Interior appointed Advisory Council for the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, and the Board of Directors for the Santiam Memorial Hospital. A memorial service is planned for Norm at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sublimity, OR on Saturday, June 24th, at 10:30am. Subsequent burial with Military honors will be at the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to contribute to Norm's memory may do so by sending donations to the Ray Rauscher St. Mary's Scholarship Fund c/o St. Mary's Catholic School, 1066 North 6th Street, Stayton, Or 97383.

Gregory D. Keates MSgt, USAF(Ret.) passed away suddenly, aged 71, on Sunday, April 30, 2023 in Ogden. He was predeceased by his father, Leslie Keates and is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandra Keates; his mother, Virginia; siblings, Joanne, Doug, Debbie, and Cindy; nieces Geny, Niki, Danielle, Whitney, Leslie, and Molly; and nephews, Eric, Christopher, and Robert. Greg was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but as a result of family moves came to Salt Lake City where he graduated from Olympus High. Greg joined the Air Force in 1971 and served his entire military career in Air Weather Service rising to the position of Master Sergeant/Station Chief. His assignments included providing weather support for several Shuttle Team missions at Edwards AFB California, serving at the Air force Academy in Colorado Springs providing weather support for Fort Carson Army Base. He retired in July, 1995 from Scott AFB Illinois after serving as one of the first NCO advisers to the future Weather Program. He chose to return to Utah where he spent the next 25 years in his second career in End User Computing for Zions Bank, retiring in August 2020 after making many special friendships. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made, in his name, to any of the following: Disabled American Veterans, The George Whalen Veterans Home in Ogden, Student Affairs Excellence Fund, or the Counseling & Psychological Services Center at Weber State University. Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lindquists Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m., at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist Washington Heights Memorial Park.

Frederick Edmond Gesser, MSgt USAF (Ret), 76, of Thorndale, PA passed away, peacefully, on April 30, 2023. Fred was born in Lakewood, NJ in 1946 to Frederick David and Doris Eileen Gesser. Fred retired as Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. He served in the Vietnam War from December 1968 to December 1969 as a combat weather observer with Big Red One, also known as the Fighting First. After retiring from the USAF, he continued working as a respected Meteorologist in the private sector until officially retiring in 2016. Even after retiring, the artistry of his forecasting and his accuracy in predicting the weather continued to be admired by those who knew him. He was often fondly referred to as  Fred was a member of the American Philatelic Society and was an avid stamp collector. He also enjoyed spending time fishing and bowling with family and friends.
Fred was the devoted husband of Kathryn S. Gesser Sabata); loving father of Sheri Fowler (Jeff), Kathi Traylor (Jim), Lisa Holstine (Mike), Bryan Gesser (Christina), Gregory Sabata (Kayla); proud grandfather of Craig, Tyler (Taylor), Jimmy (Morgan), Allyson, Jacob, Hailey, Chloe, Hannah, Grace, Maci, Nathan, Emma, Van, Ava, Lucas, Brooke; great-grandfather of Jaedon and James; dear brother to Bob Gesser (Wendy), Jim Gesser (Stefany) and Tom Gesser (Marlene). He is also survived by stepmother Joyce Gesser; first wife Gayle Gesser; and many nieces, nephews and family members, and his furry companions Sherlock, Wallace and Taz. He was predeceased by his parents and step-sister, Linda Wagner.He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. Visitation: Tuesday, May 9, 10:00 11:00 am, Thanksgiving Church, 3702 370th Plaza Ave, Bellevue, NE 68123. Funeral Service: Tuesday, May 9, 11:00, Thanksgiving Church Committal : Tuesday, May 9, 12:30, Omaha National Cemetery Military honors to be performed by the Offutt AFB Honor Guard Memorial contributions in Freds memory to Lift For a Vet, http://iuec5.org/lift_for_a_vet.aspx would be appreciated.

George FrederickGeorge Lawrence Frederick, Jr., Colonel, USAF (Ret.), age 82, of Georgetown, Texas went to be with the Lord on April 25, 2023. Born in Sandusky, MI on December 27, 1940 he lived in Sandusky with his parents, George and Catherine (Berden) Frederick. He graduated from Sandusky High School in 1958 and attended Michigan Technological University for 1 year before receiving an appointment to the USAF Academy where he graduated in 1963 with a degree in engineering science. He later earned a Master s degree in Meteorology from the University of Wisconsin. On June 15, 1963 he married the love of his life, Sharon Annette Reinelt. They had 3 children and were married for 55 years until her passing in 2019. George served 30 years in the Air Force as a weather officer, retiring in 1993 as Commander of Air Weather Service. He served in Vietnam and helped manage the buildup of weather support during Operation Desert Storm. He led and managed weather units from detachment level to squadron to wing and finally the Air Weather Service which had oversight of weather support to the entire Air Force and Army. He earned numerous awards for his work including the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a meteorologist in the civilian sector for many years as well as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Among his many roles within the scientific community, he served as president of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association. He is survived by his son, Christopher and wife Lisa (Van De Car) of Carleton, Michigan, son, Stephen and wife Sherry Marie (Allen) of Austin, Texas, daughter, Kimberly (Frederick) Roberts and husband Rick of Fenton, Missouri and four precious grandchildren, Kaitlyn Frederick of Hartsville, South Carolina, Nick Frederick of Carleton, Michigan and Sarah and Ally Roberts of Fenton, Missouri. He also leaves his brother Mike (Mary) Frederick of Welch, Minnesota and Scott (Mary Beth) Frederick of Wilmington, North Carolina, sister-in-law Carol Smith and husband Bob of Woodstock, Georgia as well as many other relatives and friends. George was an active member of Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Andice, Texas as well as the Knights of Columbus, where he was a Fourth Degree member and served in many leadership positions, most recently as the Color Corps Commander. He enjoyed playing golf, was an avid fly fisherman, and loved to spend time with family and his grandchildren (and his grand-dogs) who he adored. After retiring from the Air Force, he loved spending time in northern Michigan with his family where he enjoyed many golfing adventures with his brother-in-law Bob, while Sharon and Carol enjoyed sister time creating their quilting and crafting masterpieces. Services are to be held at the Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Andice, Texas at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 17th with reception to follow at the church hall and cemetery service and interment with military honors in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen Texas at 3 p.m. (arrive no later than 2:45 for line-up). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to Santa Rosa Church Food Pantry in Andice, Texas (https://srdl-cc.org/donate - choose Food Pantry and Outreach), or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (https://srdl-cc.org/donate - choose SVdP).

Joan (Darlene) Skidmore
On the evening of Thursday, April 6th, Joan Darlene Skidmore joined her Heavenly Father in His peace and eternal love. Darlene was an extremely caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter and friend. She was a godly woman who loved the Lord and her family and set an example for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that will lead them all their lives.
She was born in Frostburg, Maryland to John and Virginia Logue on April 2, 1941 and had two sisters, Susan Vining and Andrea Donius. She first met her future husband, Rance, in kindergarten and after graduating from Beall High School, they both attended Frostburg State College. Rance finally won Darlene over and they were married in 1962. They spent the next sixty years together and travelled far and wide in service to the United States Air Force and then for their own pleasure. They had two children - Wendy Michelle and Eric Rance. Darlene worked several jobs over the years  managed a china shop, worked for several churches and companies as an administrative assistant, etc., but her passion was her family. She loved creating delicious meals for her family and friends, creating a welcoming, loving home, spending time with her family and friends, traveling and generally spent her life in service to her family, her church, and her community. She served in a wide range of missions and ministries, helping to repair homes in Appalachia, caring for the homeless and less fortunate, and volunteering at local food pantries. Her passing on Maundy Thursday, the day of the Last Supper and of Jesuss family. A funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on April 22 at St. Francis United Methodist Church in Cary, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer s Association or Dorcas Ministries in Cary, North Carolina.

Gerald AltmanGerald Altman, Army Air Force Radar Weather Officer in WWII, died on January 30, 2015. He was 92. In April 1945, Mr. Altman was sent to the China-Burma-India theater as a member of the 10th Weather Squadron to set up a ground-based radar net for weather forecasting in support of the Hump airlift which supplied munitions and aviation fuel to Chiang Kai-sheks army and AAF units in China.Stationed at Tezgaon Airbase in Dhaka, India, Mr. Altman was among the first to codify radar indications for weather formations. His forecasts proved vital to pilots navigating the regions severe thunderstorms that could materialize with little notice and fell cargo aircraft as they flew from northeast India to China over the Himalaya Mountains. In the summer of 1945, the Hump airlifts tonnage delivered reached record levels. In preparation for his deployment, Mr. Altman studied meteorology at the University of Chicago, then under a security blackout, the just-emerging technology of radar at Harvard and MIT. Only 50 commissioned AAF meteorologists during the war completed this specialized, intensive training. It spanned two years. Gerald Altman was born on September 22, 1922 in Boston, Mass. The son of a butcher and a homemaker, Mr. Altman was a mathematics-physics double major at Boston University when World War II broke out. After the war, he attended Boston University Law School where he met his wife, Estelle  Following law school, he worked as an examiner in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and then at Polaroid Corporation. Mr. Altman started his own patent and trademark law practice in 1958, and for almost 50 years thereafter represented companies in the Boston area. He was an inventor, too, with many patents to his credit. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Karen Kopelman (Bruce), of New York, two sons, Mark (Joan) and Bruce (Laura), also of New York, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Mr. Altmans AAF training spawned his keen interest in technology and the sciences, many disciplines of which he self-studied late into life. Son, Bruce, has written a detailed account of his fathers WWII service.

Kevin LavinColonel (Ret) James Kevin Lavin, of Charlottesville, Virginia died peacefully on March 20, 2023 at the age of 83.
Kevin was born in Lawrence, MA, on December 31, 1939, to James Joseph and Rita Irene (Murray) Lavin. Kevin graduated from Central Catholic School and went on to attend college at the University of Massachusetts. In 1961, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In August 1961, he studied meteorology through an Air Force Institute of Technology program through New York University.

Kevin met Carol Ann McNeil at a holiday function in the mid-1950s and they later married on December 30, 1961. After he completed graduate school at NYU in mid-1962, they embarked on an exciting 30-year adventure with the United States Air Force. Kevin and Carol enjoyed every assignment and meeting and making lasting friendships. In 1991, they retired at Scott AFB, IL, and moved to Montgomery, AL to a home they owned. Kevin became the National Weather Association Executive Director and Carol helped as a volunteer secretary and in many other church and community activities. In 1994, Kevin and Carol volunteered to Chair the all-volunteer Air Weather Association keeping camaraderie among active duty and retired Air Force Weather personnel. In 2001, they moved to Charlottesville, VA to be closer to family, continuing their Association work and volunteer activities and especially enjoying making new friends.

During his military career he received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Force Commendation Medal.

Kevin will be remembered for his love of family, his strong work ethic, and his drive to continue to make meaningful contributions to local ROTC programs and the military retiree community. He greatly enjoyed being a member of the local Military Officers Association (MOAA) and the Charlottesville Aviation Luncheon Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his brother Paul, and his parents. He is survived by his son Keith and his wife Roseanne and their three children Craig his wife Jen, Jaime her husband Jarett, and Evan; daughter Karen DeSpiegelaere and her two daughters Emily and Jessica; daughter Kimberly and her son Nicholas Pilipowskyj his wife Rebecca, and their son Colin.

A funeral mass and celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 31, 2023, at the St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish Church located at 401 Alderman Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903. The family will receive visitors at the church before the mass and welcome all to join them at a small reception following the mass. His final internment will be held in a small intimate family ceremony at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choosing. For more information on directions, please see www.stauva.org.

Arrangements by Teague Funeral Home, Charlottesville, VA

Lorna  Misciasci, 76, beloved wife and mother, passed away March 6th, 2023 at Holmes Regional Medical Center. Sue was born in Tecumseh, MI on January 19, 1947 to Margaret and Loren Campbell. She resided in Howell, Michigan and graduated from Howell High School in 1965. She attended Michigan State University and graduated in 1969 with a degree in Social Work. She moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she was employed by the city of San Antonio as a Social Worker. While there, she met Frank Misciasci, an Air Force Captain. They were married in 1972 and she spent the next twenty-six years accompanying him in a variety of Air Force assignments throughout the US and abroad, moving thirteen times in the process. In 1975, she gave birth to her daughter, Amy, while stationed in the Azores and in 1979, her son Michael was born in Omaha, Nebraska. After Frank retired from the Air Force in 1995, they resided in Omaha for three years and then moved to Melbourne in 1998 when Frank was employed by Harris Corp. Frank and Sue celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last August. She was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her husband, Frank, her children, Amy and Michael and daughter-in-law Sandra, grandchildren Saiya and Khari, and her two brothers, Jack and Dave Campbell. Services will be held at Beach Funeral Home, 1689 S. Patrick Drive, Indian Harbour Beach, FL on March 29, 2023 from 4-6 pm. Funeral will be at St John the Evangelist, March 30, 2023, 5655 Stadium Parkway, Melbourne, FL 32940 at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL at 2:30 pm In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society.

Ed ConnettGeorge "Ed" Connett, CMSgt, Ret., passed on Thursday, Feb 9, 2023 at his home in Peoria, AZ 93 years young. Known as Ed or Eddie Connett, he was born in Dayton, Kentucky. At 18 years, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he earned his status as a Shellback after his ship crossed the equator. After serving six years, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force. He earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree while on active duty. He served in the Vietnam war during the Tet Offensive. He traveled extensively in Europe, the United Kingdom and the U.S. He earned over 20 ribbons and medals for outstanding service as a Weather Superintendent during his Air Force tenure of 26 years. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. With a MSW in family counseling, he pursued a career in therapy for another twenty years. He was a loved husband, father, grandfather and Great, Great Pappa. Survivors are his son David E Connett, daughter Diane D. Steuart, 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Services will be held at Miramar National Cemetery at a date and time to be announced later.

 

 

James R. Johnson, age 78, died recently at his home in Dodge City Kansas. He is the oldest of eight siblings and is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Harriet, and wife of 36 years, Carolyn Fenton. Born in Roanoke, Illinois, Jim went to school in Owego, New York, graduating in 1962. He was active in Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim attended college and served in the US Air Force in Great Britain and later at Offutt AFB, Omaha, NE where he began his life-long career in meteorology. Following his service in the USAF he gained employment as an aviation meteorologist, eventually taking a job as a forecaster with the National Weather Service where he remained for the rest of his career. He remained professionally active and played a key role in starting the highly respected High Plains Chapter of the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association. He was Chair of the Board and a reviewer of professional publications for the E-Journal of Severe Storms Meteorology. Jims friends and family knew him as a big-hearted, compassionate man who was always willing to help others. He was an exceptional musician who could play and master most any instrument with minimal or no training and was particularly fond of the folk, bluegrass, and country genres. Jim was a founder, avid supporter, and coach with High Plains Youth Hockey Association and a life-long fan of the NY Rangers and NY Giants. He loved motorcycles and restored both a vintage BMW and a vintage MG sportscar. Jim loved history and was a supporter of the historical community celebration, Dodge City Days. He was instrumental in efforts to erect a statue of actor James Arness of Gunsmoke fame and served as director/president and Board Chair of the Dodge City Trail of Fame. Jim regularly appeared in various roles at the Depot Theater in Dodge City and once appeared in a one-man show as Mark Twain. He was a self-proclaimed expert and connoisseur of craft beers and a regular at Dodge City Brewing offering critical reviews of brews and dispensing wisdom on a wide range of topics. He is survived by his  Molly, stepchildren Craig (Jackie) Ray; Toni (David) Strawn; grandchildren Allison (Josha) Cauthen, Garrett (Carrie) Strawn, Dillon (Kelsey) Strawn, and Stephanie (Taylor) Fehl; great grandchildren Hank and Jace Cauthen, and Emelia and Clara Strawn. He is also survived by siblings JoEllen Streit, Indianapolis, IN; Anne Joseph, San Diego, CA; Janice Allton, Las Cruces, NM; Helen Harrington, Central Sq, NY; Thomas Johnson, Glenville, NY; Jean Johnson, Ballston Spa, NY; and Donald Johnson, Gardnerville, NV. A memorial gathering of family and friends will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. Tax-deductible donations in Jims memory may be made to the High Plains Youth Hockey Association

Melly KaehnIt is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Melina Kayaian Kaehn on Friday, January 27, 2023. Melina was born on June 11, 1929 in New York, NY. She graduated from John Adams High School in Queens, New York, and went on to attend Drury College in Springfield, Missouri. She married Albert John Kaehn Jr. (USAF) in 1955. They were stationed in Germany, New York, California, Virginia, Nebraska and Illinois throughout their 30 years with the Air Force. Melina loved being an Air Force wife. She thrived and was perfectly suited to being the of the 3rd Weather Wing in Omaha, Nebraska, and later of the Air Weather Service at Scott AFB, Illinois. She was a passionate violinist. She began playing as a young child and continued her love for the instrument and for music throughout her life. She played in many orchestras including the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and The Friday Morning Club. She played in orchestras wherever they were stationed; including in Nebraska concerts for Elvis Presley, The Carpenters, Florence Henderson, Das Armenian Church, Washington DC. She actively participated for many years in planning, cooking and working at the biannual Armenian Food Bazaars. Loving wife, mother, grandmother , sister, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, friend. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Albert, whom she was married 66 years until his death. She is survived by son, Albert John IIIdaughter, Susan (David), grandchildren Zachary, Sydney and Riley, brother Woodrow (Gloria) and many nieces and nephews. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. May God bless and keep Melina beautiful, generous soul and bring peace and comfort to her family and friends.

 

Col. Harry Danforth White, III (USAF, Ret.) passed away on January 21, 2023 in Eugene, Oregon. He was born on June 8, 1941, in Kingman, Kansas to Agnes Sereta Barkley and Harry Danforth White, Jr. Dan enlisted in the Air Force in 1959 and completed the Weather Observer School as an Honor Graduate at Chanute AFB Illinois. He entered the Airman Education Commissioning Program in 1969 and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology from the University of Utah in 1971. In 1980, he graduated from University of Texas with a Master of Science in Engineering (Fluid Dynamics). Being an avid learner is the legacy his father passed down to him and his siblings. Col. White was preceded in death by his beloved parents, and his younger brother, Donald E. White. He is survived by his children, Maria White, Harry Danforth White IV, Susan White Tabor (Greg); his sister, Marianne Lee; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who all mourn his passing. Col. White had a distinguished military career in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Lt. Col. He was stationed over 5 different countries during his 33 year career. He also managed Europe's largest and busiest base weather station with the most complex weather support tasking in NATO. (Commander of Detachment 15, 28th Weather Squadron) His responsibilities included providing staff, and operational environmental services to organizations of seven major commands with components of all branches of the services. In 1973 he served as Wing Weather Office to the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing and 98th Strategic Wing and as Staff Weather Officer to the USAF Instrument Flight Center. During this tour his duty included developing an Air Force wide education program relative to low level windshear and instructor for the Instrument Pilot Instructor School. (IPIS). He also published his master thesis for the military: An Experimental Investigation of Convection in A Laterally Heated Rotating Annulus. Awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Dan was also a birder. He was very impressed with The Cascade Raptor Center, so much that he became a donor. He was a winter Texan for many years and would stay in Rockport where he could do a variety of bird watching. His favorites were the Whooping Crane, Great Blue Heron and especially the Osprey. Sailing was also one of his life passions. He sailed the Caribbean and enjoyed visiting the islands. He also did a sailing trip from Galveston to Corpus Christi, Texas. Another of his many interests was The Lewis and Clark Expedition Trails, to which he dedicated a 4 week drive to study. We are grateful for the all the wonderful memories we shared with him during this lifetime and will always be in our hearts forever more may he rest in peace until we meet again one day. The family will receive guests from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.
Interment with Full Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hutchinson Community College Endowment, 1300 N Plum, Hutchinson, KS 67501 In Memo: Don White Scholarship Fund.

Vincent GrockiVincent Paul Grocki, LtCol. (Ret.) 82, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away on January 31, 2023 after a sudden illness. Vincent was born on April 22, 1940 to Joseph and Julia Grocki in Brooklyn, NY. Fond memories of Greenpoint, Brooklyn abounded from his childhood with his sister, Loraine, and his many friends from the neighborhood. A proud graduate of Brooklyn Tech High School in 1958, he went on to study engineering and meteorology (not always successfully) at New York University. Shortly after graduating with a BS in Science in 1963, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a Weather Officer, and was stationed at Warner Robins AFB near Macon, GA. In 1964, he met and married fellow officer and love of his life, Barbara Hub, after a 3-month courtship. He called their 58-year marriage that gave them two children, Alex and Steven, the greatest achievement of his life. His 24-year Air Force career met its promise and showed him the world where he met many friends, which became like family. He retired from the Air Force in 1987 in York County, VA, but went on to work as an accountant for several years, finally retiring for good in 2002. In 2005, he moved to Williamsburg, VA where he and Barb met wonderful friends, audited classes at W&M, traveled extensively, quietly tracked the weather, gardened, walked miles with his beloved dogs, Chloe and Auggie, and spoiled his grandkids, Evalyn and Dylan. Throughout his days, Vince never knew a stranger and engaged young and old with warmth, compassion, humor, and a rare kindness that left an indelible mark that was impossible to forget. Vince was predeceased by his cherished son, Alex, his parents, and countless friends and family he now joins to debate, hug, and share memories. He is survived by, his wife, Barbara, his son, Steven and wife, Nicole, and grandkids, Evalyn and Dylan. Services will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg on February 11 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fish, Inc., https://fishwilliamsburg.org, one of many charities, he felt strongly about.

 

Patricia LeMolePatricia J. LeMole, (nee Murphy)Age 88, passed away peacefully January 10, 2023. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, retired Colonel Salvatore R. LeMole. Children: Salvatore Jr. (Patti), Catherine Flatley (Kevin), John (Joan), Michele Ryon (Michael Patrick) and Michael (Kevin Hart). Grandchildren Michael Ryon Jr., Stephanie Phillips, Megan Flatley, Samantha Ryon, Kelly Flatley, Abraham and Ezra Lemole. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Isabelle Mastelone, and sister Joan Bassett. Patricia was born in New York in May 1934, grew up on Staten Island, and graduated from Port Richmond High School. She married, then Lt. LeMole, in 1954. As a military officer's wife, she served with her husband for 30 years. She enjoyed tours in England, Germany and Japan plus stateside assignments in Virginia, Illinois, and the Washington DC area. A devoted wife and mother she succeeded raising a family wherever they were assigned. She served as a Gray Lady in England working in the hospital helping to make patients comfortable and assisting them when she could. During her life she was a Cub Scout Den Mother, taught religious education and chaired a number of highly successful fund raisers for elementary schools. Moving as military families do, she managed to make the home warm and comfortable through her many creative talents for decorating, sewing, and even reupholstering furniture. At the core of her life was her religion which always showed through the loving care of family and friends. She always thought she could do more to help others. She was instantly a friend to all she met with a warm smile and trusting personality. Relatives and friends may call Sunday January 15, 2023 from 6-8 pm in the J. Nelson Rigby Funeral Home, 1 W. Baltimore Avenue Media, Pa. and again Monday from 9:30-10:45 am in Nativity BVM Church, 30 E. Franklin Street, Media. Mass at 11am. Interment Calvary Cemetery Media. Contributions to Nativity BVM Church, St. Vincent DePaul Society, or the USO. Condolences:jnelsonrigbyfh.com

 

Kelly KleinColonel Thomas Kelly Klein, USAF (Retired) January 6, 2023 Kelly Klein passed away unexpectedly at home in Colorado Springs on the eve of his 82nd birthday with his wife by his side. He was born in Tupelo, MS, graduated from Greenville High School followed by Delta State University for his undergraduate degree and later to Texas A&M for his masters in Meteorology. As an Air Force officer, Kelly was stationed in many places, including Vietnam during the war, the Pentagon, and Colorado Springs plus he had the distinction of commanding two Weather Wings. The first was the 1st Weather Wing at Hickam AFB, HI, which provided weather services to the Army and Air Forces for the entire Pacific region. His last Air Force assignment was the 5th Weather Wing at Langley AFB, VA. His many successes in over 28 years of service demonstrated his love of our country and the USAF. After his retirement from active duty, Kelly continued working with the Air Force in several capacities, the last of which was Director, SAIC Operations, AF Weather Agency. He retired in 2011. Kelly had the good fortune of finding two good Texas women to marry and share his life. Carol Albert was his first wife and they had four children during their 47-year marriage: Karen Elizabeth Heinzle, Katherine Klein Snook, Kristina Noel Klein, and Thomas Kelly Klein, Jr. Their children produced five grandchildren: Ryan Klein Brady, Logan Klein Brady, Noelle Mia Kim, Thomas Kelly Klein III, and Charley Ann Klein. Kelly is also survived by his brother Robert Hunter Klein and sister Margaret Klein Batesole. Carol s death from cancer in 2014 was devastating for Kelly. However, through their USAFA football tailgate group, Kelly met Judy Pilonetti who had been widowed for several years and who helped him through the grieving process. Their many friends were delighted with the relationship which healed both and they married on September 15, 2021 in a small private ceremony. Kelly will always be remembered as a great husband, father, and friend, with a wonderful sense of humor who could enliven any discussion. He loved people and they loved him. His funeral will be at Shrine of Remembrance on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 9:30 am, with a visitation beginning at 8:30 am. A reception at Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center will take place from 10:30-11:30. His interment will be in the Pikes Peak National Veterans Cemetery at 12PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross or to the charity of your choice.

George H. Poulson, age 85, of Harborcreek, was lovingly surrounded by his family as he passed away at his home on Monday, January 2, 2023. He was born in Warren, PA on January 29, 1937, son of the late Lorenzo and Gertrude Poulson. George was a 1954 graduate of Lawrence Park High School. Following graduation, he entered the US Air Force and attended the weather school in Chanute Field, Ill. George was first based in Iceland, where he tracked weather data. He then became a supervisor and worked in the control tower, observing weather for pilots and supporting the B52s refueling over the North. George was also based in several other arctic areas, and was the first person known to observe a thunderstorm in Greenland. He also forecasted for the Strategic Air Command. After his service in the Air Force, George worked for the National Weather Service and was fortunate enough to be based in Erie until his retirement. George was a member of Belle Valley Presbyterian Church and the American Legion Carl Neff Post 571. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing, and time spent with his pet Bassett, Skinny. George was an avid fan of the track and field teams for Iroquois and Harborcreek. After retirement, he enjoyed wintering in Palm Harbor, FL with his wife for eight years. George is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Poulson; four children, Sam Poulson, Randy Poulson (Cindy), Jodie Bean (Jerry) and Mike Poulson (Jennifer); seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Belle Valley Presbyterian Church, 1694 Norcross Road, on Friday, January 6th, at 11:30 am, conducted by Rev. David Edmunds. Military Honors will be rendered by the American Legion Carl Neff Post 571. Memorial contributions may be made to Belle Valley Presbyterian Church, 1694 Norcross Road, Erie, PA 16510. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhome.com.

Dr. Charles Perry Arnold Jr.
Charles "Charlie" P. Arnold, Jr., a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully entered eternal rest on Monday, October 10, 2022, at his home in Upper Marlboro, Md. Charles was born on March 10, 1940, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Mildred Mains and Charles P. Arnold, Sr. Charlie spent his childhood in Akron, Ohio, where he earned his B.S. degree from Akron University and was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. He was a gifted musician playing the trumpet and swam competitively. In December 1963, he married the love of his life, Elaine Schuster. The two spent 59 years together and raised four children. Charlie served his country by joining the United States Air Force in 1963, where he began his career as a meteorologist. While in the Air Force, he attended Texas A.M., and Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Master's degree. Charlie furthered his education by attending Colorado State, University, where he received a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science. During his time in the military, Charlie had assignments in Texas, Kansas, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Guam, Colorado, Nebraska, California, and Maryland. Charlie spent his military career teaching, researching, and specializing in remote atmospheric sensing. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a consultant with local space companies in Maryland until 1998. After retirement, he devoted his time and talents to his true passions; studying Theology, writing, conducting genealogical research, and teaching Bible classes. His fervent work resulted in the publication of four books. Charlie enjoyed simple pleasures in life and found immense joy in feeding, watching, and tracking birds as they flocked to his feeders. Charlie found beauty in music, appreciated nature, and enjoyed engaging in deep conversation. He was a strong man of faith, loved God, and was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. Charlie's faith was essential to his life, and his legacy will live on in his family. He is survived by his wife Elaine, step-brother Edward Mains and wife Pam. He is mourned by his children Amy E. Mensing and her husband Michael; Bethany A. Dewey and her husband Bryan; his two sons; Charles P. Arnold lll and Michael W. Arnold; four grandchildren; Ryan Mensing, Katy Dolinar, Rachel Mensing, and Jacob Dewey. Charlie has three adored great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who are grateful for his presence in their lives.

Bruce H. Brooks died unexpectedly on February 28, 2019, in Bellevue, Neb. He graduated from Weymouth High School in 1966 and served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. Bruce was the father of the late John C. Brooks and is survived by his granddaughter, Grace; and brothers, Peter and Philip, both of Weymouth, Mass.

Ken DalyDr. Kenneth Daly, a resident of Dothan passed away Monday, November 21, 2022 at home with his family. He was 91 years old.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2022 with the visitation from 10-11 am, funeral services starting at 11 am with Pastor Elizabeth Hinton officiating at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with graveside services to follow with full military honors at Memory Hill Cemetery. Dr. Daly retired from 25 years in U.S. Air Force as an E-9/Chief Master Sergeant. After retirement he continued his education achieving his doctorate in Psychology. He later became the Program Manager of the Air Force Junior ROTC program. Dr. Daly was a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his military and civil service careers he received numerous honors, decorations and awards to include the Bronze Star, Meterorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and Outstanding Airman Award. Dr. Daly is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Daly, their 2 children and spouses: Lindsey Fox (Steve) and John Daly (Rini), and their 3 grandchildren: Jason and Cassie Simerly and Jak Daly. Services VISITATION Saturday November 26, 2022 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Ward Wilson Funeral Home 2414 Hartford Highway Dothan, Alabama 36305

Roger Seyfert, CMSgt USAF Ret. Passed away in November 2021. Obituary unavailable

Gerald DittbernerGerald J. Dittberner Ph.D. Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.)

Dr. Gerald J. Dittberner, 81, renowned climatologist, satellite meteorologist, forecaster, and engineer, passed away on November 22, 2022.  An early global warming researcher in the 1970s, Dr. Dittberner served in the US Air Force for 21 years, starting with the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program's satellite operations and applications. Following retirement from the USAF as a Lieutenant Colonel, he worked with research satellites in the aerospace industry for 10 years, was a Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) program manager and advanced technology research and development manager for 12 years with NOAA, then became a consultant.  In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Jerry was a kind, humble, man of the world. He was a wonderful, loving husband to Mary Kay for 57 years, supportive and fun father to Colleen Spears (Bob), Matt Dittberner, and Brigitte Dittberner, and delightful grandfather to Robert and Thomas Spears. A global traveler, he visited many countries in 6 continents.
Jerry's goal was to give back to the community by contributing to research and applications in weather and climatology. We are fortunate to have had him in our lives and are so proud of our genuine rocket scientist. Visitation will be on Saturday, December 10, at 10 a.m., followed directly by Mass at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale, VA. Arrangements are being handled by Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.  For more information please visit the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home website at www.FMFH.com.  Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 4, 2022.

Frank BowerFrank Bower, LtCol USAF (Ret) 81, died peacefully on April 11, 2022 at High Pointe/ Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, MA after declining years living with dementia. He was a former long-time resident of Nashua, NH. Frank was born in May 1940 in Olympia, WA, and grew up in Yelm, WA, which provided fond memories and appreciation for the views of Mount Rainier. Frank graduated from the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, after which, he was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force. He continued his education in meteorology at the University of Michigan and Texas A&M Universities, proudly serving in the military for 23 years. He was stationed in several areas of the U.S. including Massachusetts, Maryland, and Nebraska. He retired from the military at Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA, in 1987. After his military retirement, he spent several years with Digital Research Corporation. Frank also greatly enjoyed tutoring and educating students during several years spent in Pennsylvania. Frank was a caring and loving father to his daughters, Tracey and Carrie. He is survived by his daughter, Tracey and her husband Jim McCarthy of Newburyport, MA, and daughter Carrie and husband Chris Boyer of Scottsdale, AZ. Frank leaves behind seven grandchildren, Bailey, Kelsey and Bryn McCarthy, and Parker, Cameron, Mitchell and McKenna Boyer. He is also survived by his brother, Garry Bower of Lake Havasu City, AZ. Throughout his life, Frank was a natural story teller. He relayed stories about his military experiences in Guam and Korea. He loved telling stories about his children and grandchildren. In their younger years, grandchildren (and dogs) quickly learned they could get away with a few extra things when grandpa was babysitting! Lifetime interests included getting his private pilot's license, sports, investment clubs, his beloved New England Patriots football, classical music and reading. He showed his appreciation of other's cooking by playfully being a member of the "clean plate club." Frank will be honored as a military veteran in a burial at Fort Devens Cemetery at a later date. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

 

 

John ReamesCol.  John William Reames USAF, Retired passed away at the age of 88 on July 21, 2022. He was born February 7, 1934, to Florence and Leslie Reames and was the youngest of seven. He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Harre Reames; and their infant daughter, Frances Ann.
He grew up in Sandston, Virginia, and attended the University of Richmond with an ROTC scholarship. As a lieutenant in the United States Air Force, he was stationed in Germany and met his wife, JoAnn, who was teaching school for the Department of Defense. John served as a meteorologist in the Air Weather Service and retired as a Colonel in 1981 after 25 years of service. John and JoAnn were married for 58 years and traveled the country and the world together. John touched many lives and was quick with a welcoming smile and helping hand. He loved working in the yard, relaxing on the beach, emailing "Today's Funnies," and Happy Hour at 1700 hours. Family meant the world to him and it showed through annual vacations, holidays, and weekly emails to his grandchildren while they were in college.
Life was Good; God is Great; Keep Smiling! - John Reames
He is survived by daughters and their spouses, Karyn Reames and Rick Upchurch of Clearwater, FL, and Lynne and Gary Fly of Greensboro, NC; and grandchildren, Cpt. Adam and Kalie Fly of Valdosta, GA, and Madison Fly of Ft. Worth, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Resident Care Fund at Pennybyrn, 109 Penny Road, High Point, NC 27260. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.

Joe TuckerJoseph Elliott Tucker January 7, 1930 - July 8, 2022  Spanaway, Washington - Colonel Joe Tucker (USAF, ret) of Spanaway passed peacefully into God's hands on July 8 with his beloved wife of 30 years, Sandy, at his side. Joe was born Jan. 7, 1930 in La Grange, MO, son of Joseph and Julia (Elliott) Tucker. He is survived by his four children, Cheryl Tucker (Rick Fraser) of Lakewood; Lt. Col. (USAF, ret) Joe Tucker (Kristy) of Peoria, AZ; Margaret Tucker (Max Theobald) of Tacoma; and Jana Helzer (Stuart) of McKenna; five stepdaughters, Laurie Lasky (John) of University Place; Lisa Bizzell of Columbus, GA; Lynnette Fredericksen of Dunwoody, GA; Cathy Fitzer (Trace) of Eatonville; and Diana Young of Buford, GA.  Joe was blessed with 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He was especially proud of the heritage he began with a son and two grandsons in the Air Force. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jane Yowell and nephew Brad Yowell.  Joe grew up on a Missouri farm and graduated from La Grange High School in a class of 19. He attended Culver-Stockton College for two years and then Northeast Missouri Teachers College, where he signed a professional baseball contract with the St. Louis Browns. Shortly afterward he found he could not hit a curve ball and in 1950 enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
In 1951, Joe married Dorothy Brown while at Norton AFB, CA. They raised four children together during his Air Force years. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant before being commissioned a second lieutenant in 1953 through the Officers Candidate School program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology in 1959 at the University of Washington (go Huskies) and in 1965, a Master of Science at Texas A&M (go Aggies).
From there he was assigned to the United States Strike Command and subsequently to the Military Assistance Command, South Vietnam. There, as a major, Joe was awarded the Legion of Merit by Gen. Creighton Abrams, commander of U.S. Forces in Vietnam. Joe believed this presentation ceremony to be the proudest moment of his career.  On his return from Vietnam, Joe was assigned to Langley AFB, VA where he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1970 and full colonel in 1974. His last assignment was to Hickam AFB, HI where he assumed command of the 1st Weather Wing in 1976. He retired from that command and the Air Force in June 1978.  Col. Tucker's military decorations include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Award with five oak leaf clusters, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm.
An award that Joe was most proud of was his appointment by the enlisted men and women of 5th Weather Wing to honorary enlisted status in 1974 in the grade of Chief Master Sergeant.  Joe loved golf and shared many great times with golfing buddies on courses around the world and at the former Oakbrook Country Club where he was a member for over 20 years. He was particularly proud of his three holes in one. He enjoyed doing volunteer work in the community and for the Catholic chapel on McChord AFB. For a number of years, he served on the parish council and co-chaired the Outreach Committee. He was a life member of the Air Force Association and active in the McChord Chapter since 1979, serving as its president for three terms.
Col. Tucker's greatest love, after his wife and family, was the U.S. Air Force and the career that took a Missouri farm boy all over the world.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 23rd at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, preceded by the rosary at 9:30 a.m.  Joe's final resting place will be at Tahoma National Cemetery.  A reception will follow at a separate location.

Richard Craig Clayton, Colonel (Ret) USAF 11 October 1952 - 2 July 2022 (Age 69) Craig made the leap from time to eternity on Saturday at home with his wife, Carol Lee, son, Daniel, and sister, Terri, by his side. It was a beautiful, sunny Alaskan summer day, appropriate for a weatherman. While only on hospice care for four days, he fought the challenges of cancer since 2015 valiantly and without complaint. His desire was to stay here as long as the Lord allowed, but knew that his faith in the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ would carry him home at the perfect time. We are forever grateful for the many family and friends who prayed alongside us on this journey and all those who were our compatriots, colleagues, and fellow adventurers throughout his life. Craig loved the Lord, his family, the Air Force and its Weather community, the staff at Wayland Baptist University-Anchorage, the immense beauty of Alaska, and all things fussball, or soccer.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of this hands (Psalms 19:1). Hiking, cross-country skiing, and taking the high ground in the mountains was where Craig found peace. His heart was always with special operators, wounded warriors, and fellow veterans. Airborne! He quietly and generously supported numerous Christian, Bible-centered organizations and foundations supporting veterans. Craig is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Carol Lee; his son, Brig Gen (select) Daniel Craig Clayton and his wife, Dr. Erica Reynolds Clayton, and their two darling daughters, Brinkley and Breck; his sister, Terri Clayton Walker and her son, Ian and his wife, Maret and great niece, Ayla and great nephew, Nyle; and Carol Lee s brother, Kenny and his wife Susan, who were with us every step of the way. In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to remember Craig and his service to our nation and fellow citizens.

Cheryl Lee Wilson Cheryl Lee Wilson, nee Holt, 78, of Belleville, IL, born Thursday, December 2, 1943, in East Saint Louis, IL, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at St. Louis University Hospital in Saint Louis, MO. Cheryl was the light of our lives. She was funny, silly and if you were her friend, you had a friend for life. She never forgot your birthday, anniversary or a special event. She was a mother or grandmother to every child she met. Cheryl loved her family but especially her fur baby Libby. Libby comforted Cheryl like no one else could. Cheryl followed her husband during and after his US Air Force career to Texas, Louisiana, and Colorado and organized a new home everywhere she lived. She was an artist and painted beautiful pictures. She was an avid gardener who could grow anything. Cheryl started her working life as a clerk for the New York Central RR. She then became a graphics artist at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL and then became the membership director for the Shrine's retirement community. During her stay in Texas she earned an LPN. She then worked in doctor's offices in Texas, Louisiana, and Belleville. During her stay in Colorado she was an active Red Hat Lady. In her life Cheryl was able to visit England for the Chelsea Flower Show, see Stonehenge and ride the big London Ferris Wheel. That was a highlight of her life. She also got to spend a month in Korea with her husband and visit Hawaii. Not a bad life for an East St Louis girl from St Theresa Academy.
We will celebrate the time we had with Cheryl and we know she is in a better place now, where pain is not an issue. Much love to our Cheryl, you will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her: Parents: Leonard W. and Cherie, nee Toussaint, Holt, Brother: Michael Holt
Surviving are her: Husband: Major David Wilson, USAF Ret of Belleville, IL
Children
Robert, Bobby (Judy) Hutchinson of New Athens, IL
Edith Edie (Michael) Brady of Belleville, IL
William (Julie) Wilson of California City, CA
Sister: Kathy (Richard) AuBuchon of Port Orange, FL
Much loved by many great nieces and nephews.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snow.

Service: Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 5:00 pm, Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.

Bobby Joe Vance, MSgt.USAF (Ret) 93, of Robinson, Texas passed away surrounded by loved ones Tuesday, April 26, 2022, following a brave fight with cancer. Bob was born in Bryan, Texas on September 25, 1928. Due to difficult economic times and his father passing away, he was placed into the Waco Methodist Children's home in 1934 at the age of 5. He remained at the Children's home until the age of 15 when he returned to Bryan to live with his mother. During his stay at the Children' Home Bob became active in the Boy Scouts of America, earning an Eagle Scout Award in June 1944. He remained active in the program for years as a Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor, and Commissioner.  In June of 1947 after graduating from Bryan High School, Bob joined the Army Air Corp. Soon afterwards, the Air Force separated from the Army Air Corp, and he served in the US Air Force for 26 years, retiring on June 30, 1973 as a Master Sergeant. During his service he spent time in numerous countries including Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Europe, as well as various stateside locations. Following his military retirement, he worked for Standard Register in Memphis, Tennessee before returning to the Waco, Texas area and finally residing in Robinson for 37 years. He enjoyed working with wood and spent time in his workshop building everything from bookshelves to wooden earrings. He was also blessed with a knack for fixing almost anything, including household appliances. Over many years, he had repaired the dryer so many times that his wife, Amnie Louise, finally had to put her foot down and plead for a new improved dryer even though he'd gotten the old one up and running yet again. One of his largest and most intricate projects was constructing scale models of the original buildings on the campus of the Waco Methodist Home where they can be viewed. Bob met his wife of 61 years, Amnie Louise Vance, in the stadium parking lot following a Waco vs. Bryan football game on September 24, 1948. They were married on December 23, 1950. Together they raised four children, three sons and one daughter. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Amnie Louise; parents, Walter and Annie Vance; brothers, Sam and Bill; and baby sister, Jeanie June Vance. Bob is survived by sister, Jean Cangelose; sons, Jim Vance and wife, Martha, Doug Vance and wife, Barbara, Alan Vance and wife, Miriam; daughter, Carol Palmer and husband, Michael; along with grandsons, Seth, Sean, Clint, Shane, Andy, and Josh; granddaughters, Bailey and Jordan. He is also survived by ten great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to companion Sue Ferguson, Jessica and Karen from Hospice , Dr. Thai etc. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Monday, May 2, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr., Waco with burial immediately following at Rosemound Cemetery. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to service beginning at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Healthcare of Texas Providence Hospice, 670 Sanger Ave., Waco, Texas 76710.
Online guestbook www.pecangrovefuneral.com

Weber, Eugene Martin - CMSgt USAF (Ret) June 9, 1932 - May 12, 2022 Age 89. Eugene served 31 years in the Air Force and a total of 50 years as a Military Weather Man. He had numerous articles published by the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Digest. Preceded in death by parents, George and Ethel Mae Weber; siblings, JoAnn Lyons, George "Georgie" Weber, and David Weber; son Gary Weber; and grandson Joseph Hollars. Survived by wife of 68 years Doris; children, Eugene J. Weber, Teresa Hollars (Walt), Kenneth Weber, Mary Ann Lepper (Nathan), and Nancy M. Phelps (Dan); 6 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. VISITATION: Monday, May 16, 5-7pm at Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, May 17, 4:30pm at Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel. To view a live broadcast of the Service, go to the website below and click the link on the Weber obituary. MILITARY HONORS by Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard. Memorials to: Ursuline Mother House, 3115 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40206.

David A. Bush, LtCol. USAF (Ret) Read obituary

Thomas Tom DeLoyd Damon, LtCol. USAF (Ret) 91, of Colorado Springs passed peacefully on January 30, 2022, surrounded by family. He was born to parents James and Josephine Damon on April 28, 1930 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and grew up with siblings James and Sue.
Tom married the love of his life, Anita in April 1952. Later that year he graduated from Oshkosh State College and joined the United States Air Force focusing on meteorology and space weather. He earned his master s degree in Meteorology in August 1965 from the University of Wisconsin. His final station for the Air Force was in NORAD near Colorado Springs, one of his favorite locations, and he retired from the Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1978. He began his second career as a college professor at Pikes Peak Community College teaching many subjects including physics, computer science, geology, astronomy, astronautics and space science for which he wrote the textbook entitled Introduction to Space: The Science of Spaceflight which has been published in four editions. He retired for good in May 1997 and remained in Colorado Springs. He spent most of his summers at his favorite place which was the cabin in the Colorado Rockies that he designed and constructed with family. Tom had a passion for photography from a young age and captured thousands of images from his adventures around the world often with his family in tow. He eventually visited all 7 continents and had even flown over the North Pole. He was the president of the Pikes Peak Camera club in 1978 and joined a gallery in Woodland Park, Colorado to sell some of his work during retirement. He enjoyed telling the story of how he was born during an eclipse and finally got to see a total solar eclipse in August 2017 from the mountains of Idaho. It was spectacular and he has many photographs of it. He always wanted to see humans on Mars and dedicated his book to his grandsons - To James, Jacob and Maxx . . . may they one day walk on Mars. His passing is preceded by his father James Paul Damon, mother Josephine Elizabeth Damon, brother James Edward Damon and sister Sue Carol Dichtl. He is survived by wife Anita of 69 years, sons Thomas Damon, Timothy Damon, daughters Theresa Damon, Tammy Saxton, Christina Damon, grandsons James (Stephanie) Saxton, Jacob Saxton, Petty Officer Second Class Maxwell (Jenna) Damon, great grandchildren Tyler, Jayden and Liana Saxton. The family extends a special thank you to the amazing staff at Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care in Colorado Springs for their loving care and support during his final days. Tom's Catholic faith was always important to him. He served the noon Mass at St. Mary's Church in Oshkosh, WI, until he was married and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. With a family devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes, it is a blessing that he will be laid to rest on her feast day. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL, 60601. https://www.alz.org Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Damon family.

Robert Marcus Chamberlain, Colonel, United States Air Force (ret.), died January 6, 2022, age 92. He was the elder son of Marcus Freeman Chamberlain and Sarah Stephenson Chamberlain of Jaffrey, NH. He attended Jaffrey schools, graduated from Conant High School in 1948 and from the University of New Hampshire in 1952. He was awarded a BS degree in zoology and commissioned a Second Lieutenant from the USAF ROTC program.

His first assignment was to get a master's degree in weather forecasting at the University of New Mexico, where he met and married his wife of 68 years, Mary Louise Sanders. Over the next thirty years they lived in Europe, Asia, and the USA. When he achieved his present rank, he became the Director of Operations of the USAF Air Weather Service.

Some medals and badges he received were the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with four oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal with four battle stars, Chinese Nationalist Air Force Wings, Master Weather Badge, and Parachute Badge.

He retired to Jaffrey in December, 1979. He built a passive solar home. He was elected Selectman and served six years. His administration reorganized and computerized the Town Office, upgraded and extended the town's water and sewer systems, enlarged and air conditioned the town library. He obtained state funding for the completed first phase of the Jaffrey Route 202 thrupass.

During the following years he and his wife traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Africa, Europe, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Norway, Finland, Russia, England, Ireland, Costa Rica and Burma. They moved to Camarillo, CA in 2018 to be near their daughter.

He leaves his wife Mary Louise, son Mark and wife Debbie, granddaughter Sarah, daughter Kathleen Matsumori and husband Ivan, grandsons Ryan and Connor. He was predeceased by his parents, daughter Charlotte Anne and his brother William. His ashes will be interred in Conant Cemetery at a later date.

Jack HaneklauColonel John (Jack) Haneklau died peacefully December 9, 2021 at his home in Virginia after a long illness. He was born in St. Louis, MO in 1936 to the late Henry and Josephine, graduating from CBC and St. Louis University and commissioned into the US Air Force through the ROTC program. Under AFIT he returned to the University for Basic Meteorology Training, married his high school sweetheart, Joan Guelker, and then assigned to Nouasseur AFB in Morocco. Jack served in Nha Trang, Viet Nam in 1966 as the Staff Weather Officer for the Commanding General of US Forces in I Corps. His subsequent career in Air Weather Service included headquarters staff positions at 7th and 2nd Weather wings, Headquarters MAC and Headquarters AWS. He attended Squadron Officers' School, Air Command and Staff College, and the Air University in residence. His last assignment was in the Office of the Environmental Services Division of the OJCS at the Pentagon. He retired from the Air Force in 1983. After retirement, Jack joined Martin Marietta Corporation (Lockheed Martin) supporting their contract with the FAA during the modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS), and later joined other contractors in support of the FAA. Eventually, Jack formed his own LLC to gather and manage a wide group of international partners in the design and implementation of aviation control procedures using GPS technology primarily with African countries. During his contract work with the United Nations in 2010, his group developed and implemented aviation approach and departure procedures for ten airports in The Sudan. Jack's quick wit, his great sense of humor, his kindness to others and his devotion to his family, especially his grandchildren, were part of his personality along with great and funny storytelling, laughter and smiles. He loved playing squash and even won a few trophies. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing, gardening and entertaining family, friends and neighbors. He has been a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish for almost 42 years and served as an usher and hospital volunteer for the sick. He was on the board of Azalea Charities (nonprofit for wounded warriors) and also volunteered for Prince William County Literacy Council and the Prince William County Detention Center. Jack is predeceased by his brother, Robert Haneklau, and his cousins, Joan and William Rudge. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan, his children Mark, Lisa Cox (Michael), Gregg (Susan), John (Kelly), his five grandchildren, Ryan, Katie, Sarah, Josie, and Caroline, and his sister, Rose Marie Sommers, and many relatives and friends. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Triangle, VA on Friday, January 7 at 12:00 (noon). The funeral with full military honors will be held at Arlington Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Capital Caring Health, Alexandria/Prince William VA, 703-333-6960.

Kerry Arthur Bartels LtCol. (Ret) of Elgin, ND and Peabody, MA ,76, passed away Saturday, December 11, 2021. Kerry was born April 23, 1945 in Camp White, OR to Julius Bartels and Ellen May Hubbell. Kerry attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and received his MBA at Northeastern U. in Boston, MA. He was a long-time resident of Biloxi, MS and enjoyed traveling, serving at both Loaves and Fishes and Bethel Men's Group, volunteering, especially at Mercy House and at Keelser preparing taxes. He was an avid Vikings and OLA volleyball fan. Kerry worked as a meteorologist and Missile Launch Officer for the United States Air Force where he retired as a Lt. Col. after serving in the Desert Storm. He was also an instructor of meteorology at Keesler Air Force Base and later worked as an enrolled agent for 20 years at H&R Block. Throughout his career, he received many awards, Volunteer Excellence to the Air Force Community, Spengler Award for Outstanding Air Weather Service, and Mobilization Augmentee of the year. Kerry sat on the boards of Rebekah House in Gulfport, MS, MS Coast Military Officers Association in Biloxi, and Treasurer Bethel Lutheran Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Julius Bartels and Ellen May Hubbell; and sister Sharon (Jim) McNaughton of Rogers, AR.
Survivors include his wife, Marie L Powers; children, Christopher (Claudia) Bartels of Plano, Tx and Lauren ( Lt. Col. Edward) Hale of Centerville, OH; siblings, Patricia (Carl) Berg of Tempe, AZ, Kathryn (Mike) Haggen of Mandan, ND, Donald (Debra) Bartels of Medford, OR, Judith Bartels and Marilyn (Rusty) Palmer of Bear Lake, MN.
A visitation will be held Sunday, December 19, 2021 for 2 PM-3 PM at Bethel Lutheran Church with a funeral service following at 3 PM. Interment will be at Biloxi National Cemetery at a later date. View and sign online tribute at www.bradfordokeefe.com Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Kerry Arthur Bartels.

 AJ KaehnIt is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Brigadier General (USAF Retired) Albert John Kaehn, Jr. on Monday, November 8, 2021. He was born on December 2, 1929 in Jamaica, New York. He graduated from John Adams High School in Queens, NY and went on to receive a BA and an MA in Mathematics from SUNY/Albany. He later obtained a BS in Meteorology from Penn State University. Gen. Kaehn enlisted in the Air Force in 1952 upon completion of graduate school. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, had a tour of duty in Germany, duty assignments in New York, Illinois, California (Naval Postgraduate School), Nebraska (Commander, 3rd Weather Wing) and finished his 30 year service career at Scott AFB, IL as the Commander of the USAF Air Weather Service. He is the recipient of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and specially recognized with The Order of the Sword. ost Air Force, he entered the private sector working at Global Weather Dynamics Inc., Harris Corporation, and finally as a private consultant. He was elected president of The American Meteorological Society (AMS) in 1987, chaired two committees for the National Academy of Sciences, and was active as a member and served as head of several committees at St. Mary s Armenian Church, Washington DC. Loving husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Melina, son Albert John III AJ , daughter Susan (David), grandchildren Zachary, Sydney and Riley, brother-in-law Woodrow (Gloria), and many nieces and nephews. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson s Research or The Parkinson Foundation. May God rest and keep Albert s loving soul and bring peace and comfort to his family and friends.

 

 

Robert E. Introne Jr., 79, of Londonderry, NH, died unexpectedly Monday, October 11, 2021, while travelling in Phoenix, AZ. He was born on April 27, 1942 in Weymouth, MA, son of the late E. Margaret Peggy (Laine) and Robert E. Introne Sr.Bob devoted his life to a career of service. He served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, ultimately achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1968, he did a tour of duty in Vietnam stationed in Saigon and Pleiku in the Central Highlands. He came under frequent rocket attack and had several harrowing experiences helping the Montagnard against the Viet Cong. He was a senior meteorologist at Cape Canaveral from 1969-1973 during the heyday of the Space Race, supporting the launches of Apollo 11 through 17, as well as early planning for the Apollo-Soyuz mission. When Apollo 11 made its famous ascentto land a Man on the Moon, Bob was on the tarmac at Patrick AFB, supporting ARIA aircraft operations which enabled spacecraft voice and telemetry data to get back to Mission Control. Bob would go on to provide weather forecasting for over 100 Defense Department mission launches from the Cape. Bob had various assignments across the country and Europe, where he was a key member of Air Weather Service and supported development and operations of sophisticated air and space systems including the F-117A stealth fighter and various weather and reconnaissance satellites for the Secretary of the Air Force Special Projects. He had a command role as a Weather Squadron Commander for a fighter wing at England AFB from 1979-1981; and survived a Baader Meinhof Gang terrorist car bombing of HQ USAFE at Ramstein, Germany in 1981 just after arriving in country. Bob was a highly decorated officer, who received both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal.Upon his Air Force retirement in 1987, Bob transitioned to the private sector, taking a job at TASC. In this capacity, he continued to contribute to National Security, eventually retiring from there as a Division Director after 13 years of providing vital technical analysis and studies for the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. At this point, he transitioned into politics, when he was elected to the New Hampshire State House of Representatives. Bob represented Londonderry from 2000-2016 and was considered an integral and influential member of the state s Republican Party. With his education, experience and background, he was a natural choice for Chairman of the Science, Technology and Energy Committee.Bob was a proud graduate of Penn State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in meteorology. He followed the Nittany Lions as a staunch supporter his entire life and regularly could be found on Saturdays cheering for the team. He also received his Master of Science in meteorology from Colorado State University. In all facets of life, Bob was truly The Weatherman and all looked to him for his views on the short- and long-range forecast.Besides his love for meteorology and all Boston sports teams, his greatest personal passion in life was sports car racing. He spent over forty years volunteering within the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). He was a driver, nationally licensed Corner Marshall, and Chief/Operating Steward. Once again, he rose through the ranks as a recognized leader. He served as the Regional Executive for the New England Region, Area Director, and was ultimately Chairman of the SCCA National Board of Directors from 2006-2008. Through his leadership, he helped facilitate the development of new tracks in the northeast. Bob was a constant presence at local track events and was a regular face for over thirty years at the annual National Championship Runoffs. Hundreds of drivers can credit their introduction and growth in competitive motorsports to his mentorship.Additionally, his dedication to fellow veterans and his community included support and membership in the Military Officers of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lions Club, American Legion, and the American Meteorological Society. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Carol (Kuryloski) Introne of Londonderry, NH; two sons, Robert E. Introne and wife Wendy of Centreville, VA, and Steven D. Introne and wife Melissa of Windham, NH; daughter, Christina Introne of Derry, NH; six grandchildren; and one brother, Douglas Introne of Orono, ME. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol (Introne) English of Chatham, MA.Funeral services will be held on Friday November 5, 2021 at 10:00am at the Orchard Christian Fellowship Church, 136 Pillsbury Rd., Londonderry. Friends are welcome to attend to pay their respects and offer condolences to the family. A private interment with Military Honors for the family only will follow at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob s name to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry and Londonderry are assisting the family with arrangements.

Stan TkachStanley W. Tkach of Yorktown, USAF Major Retired, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the age of 79. Born in St. Clair, PA to Walter and Anna Tkach in 1942, Stanley devoted his life to his church, country, family and friends. A graduate of Kent State University and University of Utah, Stanley was a decorated officer in the United States Air Force, serving his country for 43 years. As a meteorologist, Stanley played a crucial role in leading strategic weather operations for many deployments of the U.S. Armed Forces during critical times for our Country, including Vietnam, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars and the aftermath of 9/11. He was the recipient of numerous medals and commendations for service to the White House, Airforce, and Army, including Airforce Commendation, Meritorious Service Medals, and multiple years as Staff Civilian of the Year while at Langley AFB. Stanley was a faithful member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church for over 30 years and served in a number of volunteer roles. In his "free time" Stanley was a dedicated Scout Master, participating in the Scouting program with his sons, enjoyed model trains and was fascinated with new technologies and gadgets. In retirement, Stanley enjoyed playing Bridge, traveling and camping, spending time with family and friends, and served his church faithfully. He was a beloved and involved "Paw-Paw", spending hours on the floor with his four grandsons building elaborate wooden train layouts, putting together Legos and watching movies. One of Stanley's greatest joys was the companionship and devotion he shared with his dogs over the years Fred, Dapper and Codey. Stanley was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Elizabeth Gulas, Irene Lewis, Rosalie Rehnert, Mary and Anna; and brothers, Joseph and Edward. Stanley is survived by his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandsons: Rob and Cynthia Tkach (Andrew and Alex) of Sedalia, CO and Andrew and Shannon Tkach (Greyson and Branson) of McLean VA; his best friend Larry Herndon of Newport News VA; brother-in-law James Rehnert (Anna) of Saint Clair PA; sister-in-law Frances Tkach of New Philadelphia PA; niece Debra Hafer (Rodney) and family of Punta Gorda FL; niece Sharon Pane (Joseph) and family of New Philadelphia PA; niece Sandra Sipe (Franklin) and family of Cogan Station PA, nephew Jeffery Lewis (Lori) and family of Wyomissing PA, and nephew Christopher Rehnert (Jennifer) and family of Summit Hill PA. Stanley will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Services will be held on Thursday at 1:00 PM at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6 to 8 PM in Amory Funeral Home, Grafton. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

Robert Demichaels, Lt.Col.USAF (Ret) We are sad to announce that on September 19, 2021, at the age of 83, Robert Demichaels (Grand Junction, Colorado) passed away. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 29th 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery (2830 Riverside Pkwy, Grand Junction, CO 81501).

Colonel William S. Bill Weaving, (USAF Ret.)76, passed away peacefully with his family by his side. A celebration of life will be held on October 16, 2021 at 10am at the First Presbyterian Church of Danvers with Pastor Elissa Bailey officiating. Following the service burial will be held at Park Lawn Cemetery, Danvers with military honors conducted by the American Legion. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to be made to the Parkinson s Foundation (www.michaeljfox.org/donate) or First Presbyterian Church, 201 E Main St. of Danvers. Otto-Argo-Calvert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Bill was born on April 11, 1945 in Framingham, Massachusetts to Howard M. and Helen S. Weaving. He married Sandra Douglas on March 2, 1968 in Elkins, West Virginia. Bill is survived by his beloved wife Sandy and dog, Douglas; their 4 children, Heather (Joe) Dehn, Danvers; Kristen (Brian) Farmer, Hoschton, Georgia; Jon (Jackie) Weaving, O Fallon, Illinois; and Allison (Nate) Sheaffer, Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren, Tyler Farmer, Blake and Jeremy Dehn, Wesley and William Farmer, Colten, Lincoln, and Morgan Weaving; along with his 2 sisters, Janet (Gene) Barbato, Annapolis, Maryland; and Betty (Vin) Lananna, Charlottesville, Virginia. Bill served in the US Air Force as a Meteorologist retiring as a Colonel after 28 years of faithful service to his country. During his career he achieved many accolades for his accomplishments, but most cherished medals are the Bronze Star received from General Schwarzkopf and two Legion of Merit Awards, one presented by the US Air Force and one presented by the US Army. He was also part of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After retirement from the US Air Force Bill worked for Planalytics, Inc. There he helped many clients understand the various weather sensitivities of different product lines at different times of the year. He loved showing the corporate world all his weather knowledge and how his knowledge could help them save or make more money by offering the right products at the appropriate times. Bill enjoyed sailing and wood working, but most of all he loved his family and looked forward to taking his family and spending time with them at the family cottage in Cape Cod every summer. Bill was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved him.

Charles Allan Egolf Col. USAF (Ret.) went home to be with his Lord on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, after a brief illness. He was born June 7, 1938, in Landisburg to Charles Raymond and Mary (Rice) Egolf.
He graduated from Green Park Union High School and then earned a degree in secondary education from Penn State University. He joined the Air Force in 1961 and served as a meteorologist. He rose to the rank of colonel and served as 5th Weather Wing Chief of Operations in his last assignment before retiring and returning to Perry County in 1983. Among the honors he received were the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars and the Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters. While in the Air Force, he completed a bachelor s equivalent degree in meteorology from Texas A&M and a master s of education in meteorology and earth science from Penn State. After teaching in the Carlisle School District for four years and selling real estate for three years, he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and served the 86th district for six terms. He loved his country and worked hard throughout his life to protect and defend it. He stood strongly and passionately for the founding Christian principles of the nation, and was so pleased to be able to serve as a legislator. Over the years, he was on the board of a number of organizations, and he was active in the Perry County Republican Committee, VFW, Landisburg Borough Council, and Landisburg Lions club. He attended Church of the Living Christ, Loysville. He enjoyed flying his Piper Cub airplane, skiing, bicycling, hiking and canoeing. He pursued his interests all over the world as he moved about for the Air Force.
Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Nancy (Miles) Egolf; a son, Mark (and wife Carmen) Egolf, of Washington; a daughter, Pamela (and husband Kurtz) Cockley, of Loysville; and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Egolf. A service will be held at noon, Saturday, Sept. 25, in Church of the Living Christ, 2401 Fort Robinson Road, Loysville, with pastor Doran Wray officiating. Visitation will be held 9 a.m. to noon. Private burial, with military honors, will be in Landisburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pennsylvania Family Institute, 23 N. Front St., Harrisburg 17101.

Earl RookEarl W. Rook  CMSgt, USAF Ret.  It is with deepest sadness that I announce in the early morning of July 3rd 2021, Earl William Rook age 86, slipped away to be with his lord & savior. A retired USAF CMSGT, he was a proud US veteran that loved his family, his country, and his God. Earl was born in Waynesboro PA in 1934, to the parents of David S. & Edna Rook. He enlisted in the USAF in 1951, then later met and married his lifelong sweetheart Norma L. Plunk on Sept 7th, 1957. Married 64 years, Earl & Norma were loving parents to two boys, Kenneth D. and David C. and shared their lives with several dachshunds whom they adored. Earl loved the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were favorite pastimes. He and loving wife Norma, a registered Nurse, traveled during his long military career, and both were engaged members of their communities with the Methodists church where they took up residence, including Colo Springs CO and Turpin OK. Earl retired from the USAF in 1985, afterward enjoyed spending quality time with his wife, his dogs, John Wayne movies, going hunting, as well as with his extended family on the farm, in OK. Earl, a loving husband, father, and brother... Will be sorely missed by his adoring wife, his proud sons, his loving sister, and those that called him friend. Earl is preceded in death by his parents David S. & Edna, and his sister Helen. He is survived by his sister Judy Wagaman, wife Norma, his sons Kenneth, David & his wife Nicole, along with grandchildren Samantha, Tyler, & Alex. A private viewing for friends and family was held in Beck Funeral home in Austin TX, July 5th. Memorial services will be held graveside with military honors and interment at the Liberal City Cemetery in Liberal KS, on July 17th, at 10AM.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Roberts Brothers Funeral Home, Hooker OK. Please send flowers or memorials to the care of the aforementioned.

Ronald BrownColonel Ronald R. Brown, USAF (ret), leader, husband, father, grandfather, and consummate outdoorsman peacefully departed this life on 5 September 2021 in Colorado Springs at the age of 79. He was born 8 November 1941 in Lyons, Kansas to Willis Winston and Viva Anna (Mulch) Brown. In 1951 the family moved to Downs, Kansas where Ron spent his formative teenage years. He earned his Eagle Scout award, played football and basketball, was elected Downs High School senior class president in 1959, as well as elected prom king. Following graduation Ron attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas majoring in physics. Ron enrolled in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps and rose to become the cadet group commander and distinguished graduate. While at Washburn he met his future wife Rosanne whom he married in 1961. Commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in 1964, the Air Force sent him to Texas A&M University for basic meteorological training; later he earned a Master of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington. During his 26 years in the Air Force, he served as staff meteorologist, detachment commander, squadron commander, and wing commander including tours at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, Fuchu Air Base, Japan, and Kapaun Air Station, Germany. In 1990 he retired from the Air Force following his assignment as commander, 2nd Weather Wing, moved to Colorado and settled in Black Forest. Not content with being idle Ron earned his teaching certificate at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and taught math and science at Falcon High School for 7 years. At the same time, he became active in the Black Forest community and Black Forest Community Club, as well as president of his Homeowner's Association. In 2005 the Black Forest Community Club named Ron and Rosanne "Keeper of the Keys." Ron was also able to enjoy his passion for the outdoors. An accomplished hunter and fisherman, he also enjoyed horseback riding, boating, skiing, hiking, golf, and even a stint as a white water rafting guide. As a father and grandfather, he passed on his passion to his children and grandchildren. He and Rosanne also traveled extensively, embarking on cruises to and around Alaska and Australia. Ron was predeceased by his parents, Winston and Viva Brown; Rosanne, his wife of 55 years; and his brother Duane. He is survived by his children Steven, Christine and husband Rob Melton; his grandchildren Eric Melton and Mike Melton and his wife Bethann; and great-grandson Wylder Melton. A memorial service will be held at the Black Forest Lutheran Church on Thursday, 23 September, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity Ron was very passionate about.

 

Sad news of the passing on 17 August 2021 of Pao-Chu "Sue" Carle, wife of AWA member Edward Carle Col USAF (Ret.) and mother of AWA member William Carle Col USAF (Ret.). Full obituary and info on memorial service (on Saturday 28 Aug 2021 in Chandler AZ) at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chandler-az/pao-chu-carle-10313207

Kenneth WellsMajor Kenneth Lee Wells, age 80 of San Antonio died on Saturday, July 17, 2021. He was born on June 5, 1941, in Columbus, IN. Upon his graduation from Columbus High School in 1959, Major Wells attended what was then, Ball State Teachers College. He was a charter member of the Epsilon Omega chapter of Sigma Chi at Ball State. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with a major in mathematics and entered the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant in 1963 through the ROTC program. He received his training as a weather forecaster at New York University in New York City and had assignments in Italy, Georgia, Alabama, Thailand, Virginia, Arkansas, Spain and Texas. His jobs included weather forecasting, pilot school weather instructor, wing staff officer, Air National Guard advisor and he was commander of five weather detachments. He met his wife Lee at Langley Air Force Base, VA in 1971 and they married in 1974 merging their two families into one. Major Wells retired from the Air Force in 1984 and taught high school math at John Marshall High in San Antonio until 1996. He enjoyed travel, cruising, gourmet cooking, cards, theater, dancing and entertaining with his beloved wife Lee. He and Lee have resided in San Antonio since 1981 and in "Air Force Village", a retirement community for Retired Military Officers', their spouse's, widows, and widowers since 2004. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur, and Christina Wells, and son Gene Boyd. He is survived by his wife, Lee Hughes Wells; children, Kaylen Wells Cirillo and husband, Chris of Lawrenceburg, KY, Mary Beth Wells Bryant and husband Jon of Colorado Springs, CO, DeeDee Boyd Eure and husband, Tommy, of Ingram, TX, John Boyd and wife, Volusia of Humble, TX and Rebecca Wells Marsh and husband, Paul of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Crystal Boyd Knauer, Carlye Boyd Martinski, Brittany Eure Pettis, Brandon Eure, Jillian Bryant, Cassie Boyd, Jordan Boyd, Jarett Bryant, Logan Boyd, Christine Cirillo, Connor Marsh, Kenny Cirillo and Kelly Marsh; great-grandchildren, Jon Martinski, Sophia Boyd, Eleanor Boyd, Allilyn Eure, Jaxon Hallstrom, and Denver Boyd; brother, Larry Wells and wife, Sherrie of Columbus, IN; and nieces and nephews.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021
9 A.M.
FORT SAM HOUSTON
NATIONAL CEMETERY
1520 HARRY WURZBACH DR
MEMORIAL SERVICE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021
1:30 P.M.
AIR FORCE VILLAGE II
HIGH FLIGHT CHAPEL
5100 JOHN D. RYAN BLVD.
Chaplain Gil Richardson, The Reverend David Trawick and Chaplain Wayne Knutson will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Air Force Village II Charitable Foundation Fund, 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78245.

WALLACE EDWARD "PETE" PETERS, JR., age 95, of South Charleston, departed this life at dawn, Sunday, August 8, 2021, at Charleston's Oakridge Center. Pete was born January 5, 1926, in Wichita, Kansas, to Wallace Edward and Loretta Buckridge Peters. At age 18, Pete joined the Army as an aviation cadet and was later commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Air Forces. He trained as a navigator and bombardier in the B-25 Mitchell bomber. World War II ended before Pete was deployed overseas, but he stayed in the Army and retrained as a meteorologist, transferring into the new United States Air Force in 1947. In 1946 he met and married his first wife, Nancy Kathryn Sawyer of Kingwood, West Virginia. Their only daughter, Karen Lee, was born in 1950. That same year the Korean War began and Pete was deployed to Korea to command a weather forecasting squadron. After the war the family settled near Charleston, where he transitioned to the West Virginia Air National Guard. He commanded the 167th Weather Flight at Charleston's McLaughlin Air National Guard Base until retiring as a colonel. During his years in the Charleston area Pete worked as a detailing engineer in the mining and steel construction businesses. In his leisure hours he was an avid golfer and played golf courses all over the world, his favorite being Ballybunion in County Kerry, Ireland. He was also an accomplished tenor and sang for many years as a member of the Kanawha Kordsmen, Charleston's award-winning barbershop group. He also sang with the United Disciples of Christ church choir, particularly at Christmas. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, and his sisters, Billie (Burton) Latimer of Maryland, and Barbara (Jack) Bird of The Woodlands, Texas. He is survived by his wife, the former Judith A. Hoffman of Belle, daughter Karen (Joseph) Price of Fairfield, Virginia; and many nieces and nephews. A service to honor Pete will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, August 16, 2021, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, 4122 MacCorkle Ave, SW, South Charleston. Pastor Rosetta Smith of the United Disciples of Christ Church will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Military honors by the U.S. Air Force and the Veterans of Foreign Wars will follow at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the United Disciples of Christ Church, 100 United Disciples Drive, South Charleston, WV 25309; www.uniteddisciples.org.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.

Daniel B. Mitchell (Col. USAF Ret), age 97, died April 10th, 2018 at Givens Estates Health Center. He will be buried at the Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC with his wife (Wilma Hicks Mitchell), who preceded him in death, November 17, 2002. He is survived by a son, Gilbert Wayne Mitchell, daughter, Star Anna Mitchell, 4 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, 2 great grandchildren, 5 brothers, 3 sisters, 3 half-sisters, and 3 half-brothers. He graduated from the University of Chicago in 1953 with a Master of Science degree in Physical Science. Col. Mitchell served 31 years in the US Air force as a pilot and a meteorologist. He flew 25 combat missions in a B-25H and 88 missions in a P-47D30 in WWII, served as Commander of the 1st Weather Group in Vietnam in 1969, and was Commander, Air Force Global Weather Central from 1970 until retiring in 1973. After retiring from the USAF, he served with The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for 9 years and retired from the Federal Executive Service in 1982 as an Executive Level 4, Director of the National Climatic Center in Asheville, NC. He served on the boards of the Asheville Buncombe County United Way, Daniel Boone Council, Boy Scouts of America, and Asheville Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was a member of the Asheville Rotary Club from 1976 and was President of the club in 1993. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Asheville. His family and friends will always have fond memories of his joyful smile, warm spirit, and loving heart. A funeral service was held on Monday, April 16, 2018 at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 962 Old US Hwy 70, Black Mountain, NC 28711.

Long time Alaskan David George Nelson, SMSgt, USAF(Ret.), 66, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, at home in Nikiski, Alaska, from COPD and heart failure. emorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Joy Lutheran Church in Eagle River, Alaska. Martin Eldred and Susan Halvor will officiate. David was born on March 28, 1951, in Minneapolis, Minn. He received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Wayland Baptist University. He served for 26 years, beginning in 1971, in the U.S. Air Force as a weather forecaster and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1997. He then worked as a personal banker for 1st National Bank from 1997 until becoming a manager for Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union in 2004. He retired from banking in 2014. David was a member of Joy Lutheran Church and enjoyed hunting, his grandkids, gardening, and grilling and smoking meat. His family wrote:
"Dave's strong will, perseverance and dedication led him to succeed in life. He was extremely loyal and cared deeply for those fortunate enough to know him.  He was analytical and intelligent. He was also slow to anger and loved to joke around. He was an awesome husband, father and friend, and we already miss him greatly." Dave was preceded in death by parents, Ed and Martha Nelson; and a son, Erik Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Benita Nelson; daughter and son-in-law, Allana and Kris Kimbell; grandchildren, Levi, Lincoln, Logan and Lorelai Kimbell; sister and brother-in-law, Dianne and Al Johnson; nephews and spouses, Adam and Amy Johnson, Joe and Deb Johnson and Ben and Megan Johnson; sisters-in-law and spouses, Cheryl and Jeff Budisch and Angela and Pat Porter; brothers-in-law, Joe Fitzgerald and Mike and Sandy Fitzgerald; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marlene and Don Fitzgerald; and nephews, Jay Kravits, Randall, Donnie and Kevin Maas, Ryan and Nick Porter and Shawn Fitzgerald. Memorial donations may be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517,
Topeka, KS 66675-8517. Published in Anchorage Daily News on Dec. 6, 2017.

Dale Curtis Whiteside, age 90, of Chillicothe, MO, passed away on July 4, 2021, at his residence. He was born the son of Earl and Bessie (Miller) Whiteside on the family farm in Chillicothe on October 19, 1930, during the Great Depression. He attended a one-room school for his first eight years of education and graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1948. He then began his college years at Central Methodist College in Fayette and transferred to the University of Missouri where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1952 with a BS Degree in Agriculture. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a weather forecaster and a teacher at Chanute AFB IL, the first in his family to have gone to college and to the military. He lived his entire life in the same location where he was born, except for his college years and his four years in the Air Force. On February 21, 1953, Dale was united in marriage to Marilou Reed in Dawn, M0. Together they worked on the family farm consisting of swine and cattle production and row crops. Dale was also a public servant who dedicated countless hours to many organizations in the community and state including the Livingston County Farm Bureau, Chillicothe R-II School Board, Chillicothe Area Arts Council, University of Missouri Extension Council, Livingston County Ambulance District Board, Chillicothe Rural Fire Protection Board of Directors, Livingston County Pork Producers, Missouri Pork Producers, the Livingston County 4-H and FFA Fair Board, and Livingston County AFA (Agriculture Future of America). Dale was always active in 4-H, both as a youth and as an adult, and he was instrumental in establishing the Livingston County 4-H Foundation. In 2008, he was inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame. Dale was also honored with the Missouri Farm Bureau Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award and the Bill Hoyt Distinguished Service Award. He was awarded recognition by the University of Missouri School of Agriculture for his dedication and leadership in the field and was recognized by the Missouri Pork Producers as a Master Pork Producer. Dale was awarded the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Farmer Award, and he and Marilou were named to the Livingston County Leaders Honor Roll. In 1986 Dale was president of the Missouri Pork Producers, and the following year he was elected State Representative of the 11th District in a special election. He went on to serve nine years in the House of Representatives. One of his greatest undertakings was his work in helping abused women, many of whom had received lengthy prison sentences for crimes they had not committed. In addition to his wife Marilou, Dale is survived by daughter Zoann and Ralph Jackson of Meadville, MO; sons Jeffrey and wife Anne Whiteside, Bruce and wife Erica Whiteside, and Steven and wife Mary Pat Whiteside, all of Chillicothe; one brother, Wesley and wife Marilyn of Lakeville, MN., fourteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Bessie (Miller) Whiteside; his sister, Virginia Lee Jones; brother-in-law, Ben Wood Jones; niece, Darlene Buglovsky; and nephew, Jack Watts. Private funeral services will be held at the Liberty United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, MO. Burial will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, Chillicothe, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty United Methodist Church or the Livingston County 4-H Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Heritage Funeral Home, 3141 N. Washington; Chillicothe, MO 64601. Online condolences may be left at www.heritage-becausewecare.com.

Steven Leland Erickson, Lt Col USAF (Ret.) passed away on Monday, June 28, 2021 at the age of 76 at his home at Walker Methodist Levande in Cambridge, MN. He was born June 16, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN to Linden and Grace Erickson of Cambridge, MN. Steven attended Dowling District #59 Country School through 8th grade and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1963. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from Augsburg College in 1967. He went on to graduate school at Arizona State University but left there to enroll in Officer Candidate School with the Air Force in 1969. While in the Air Force he earned his Master s Degree in Atmospheric Science from Colorado State University in 1977. He attained the rank of Lt. Colonel. After 22 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force, Steve retired in 1991. His last assignment was at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE. He later worked in the public sector as a meteorologist until he decided to move back home to the Cambridge area. He settled in Maple Ridge Township and helped his brother Ken farm. In November 2020 Steve moved to Walker Methodist Levande Home in Cambridge where he was well cared for. He was married for a time to Cynthia Bailey and had stepsons Adam and Wesley Bailey. Steven was preceded in death by his parents Linden and Grace Erickson, uncle August Erickson, and stepson Adam Bailey. He is survived by his sister Laurel (Wendell) Johnson of Cambridge, brothers Kenneth (Sharon) Erickson of Cambridge, Donovan (Gayle) Erickson of Stanchfield, sister Deborah (Lawrence) Lawman of Blaine, stepson Wesley (Kristian) Bailey of Council Bluffs, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral Service 11 a.m., Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Salem Lutheran Church in Dalbo, MN. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Cambridge American Legion Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com. Arrangements by the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge, MN.

Richard BagbyRichard Caldwell Bagby, Jr. was born on January 22, 1944 to Charlene Snyder Bagby and Richard Caldwell Bagby in Charlotte, N.C. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Allen Bagby. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Gail Geiger Bagby, two children, Alyson Taylor Stockton (Gary) and Michael Taylor (Nada), two stepchildren: Sheri Lobach Spivey (Don) and Jill Lobach Atchley (Kevin), and grandchildren: Taylor Atchley, Dustin Atchley (Sarah Mae), Jarod Atchley, Hunter Spivey, Mallory Spivey, and Mason Stockton. Other surviving family include nephew, Rick Bagby (Jennifer), and two nieces Lori Bagby Little, and Leigh Summers Dickenson (Brian). Born and raised in south central North Carolina, Dick Bagby knew he would become a weatherman by the age of 14. His 7th grade science teacher had an enormous impact on his life and helped to set the trajectory of his pursuit of understanding the weather. With the support from his family, his fascination for meteorology grew and before graduation from high school, Dick had worked two summers as a Student Trainee at the Raleigh-Durham Airport weather station. While many of his friends left for in-state colleges and universities, Dick headed south to Florida State University to pursue a degree in meteorology. Shortly after meeting and dating a co-ed named Gail Geiger, he was accepted for a meteorological technician position at the Amundsen-Scott Station, South Pole, Antarctica where he spent a year launching weather balloons and providing surface weather observations for aviation. Upon returning to Tallahassee, Florida, Dick found that FSU had waited; Gail did not. It would be a full 40 years before Dick and Gail would re-unite through Classmates.com, rekindle their friendship and eventually marry. After graduating from FSU with a B.S. in Meteorology, Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force. Second Lieutenant Bagby was assigned to Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. From there, assignments followed to Korea, Hawaii, the Pentagon, Headquarters, Air Weather Service, command positions in England, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and finally an executive officer position at Air Weather Services Global Weather Central at Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska. While in Nebraska, Dick completed an MBA from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. After 21 years of service, three Air Force Commendation Medals, and Four Meritorious Service metals, Major Bagby retired and moved to St. Augustine.   Having enjoyed teaching college math while in Turkey and becoming bored with fishing nearly every day at the beach, Dick applied for a faculty position at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at Daytona Beach, Florida. He passed on his passion for weather to thousands of students who now work around the world. These students were not only at the Daytona Beach campus, but also in satellite campuses in Prescott, Arizona and MITRE Corporation in Vienna, Virginia using the emerging technology of virtual classrooms. While at Embry-Riddle, Dick led the effort to establish and undergraduate degree in Applied Meteorology. During his 18 years there, he was an associate professor, chair of the Applied Meteorology department, and finally retired as Professor Emeritus. The Outstanding Graduating Senior in Applied Meteorology Award was named the Bagby Award, in his honor. On December 26, 2004, Dick and Gail married and bought a home in Leesburg, FL. Only nine months later on the morning of August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast with a tidal surge of 25-35 feet. Areas east of Waveland, Mississippi bore the brunt of her wind and storm surge. Since the media was focused on the flooding in New Orleans, much of the nation was unaware of the loss and suffering of South Mississippi. Upon their pastor s return from Biloxi, after leading a small group of volunteers with supplies to try to assist in the clean-up, and after hearing of the great need for more volunteers, Dick and Gail loaded up their RV and were sent by their church, with direction from Florida Baptist Disaster Relief, to Lemoyne Blvd. Baptist Church in Biloxi, MS. The short-term mission trip became a 5-year love affair with the community. During their time at Lemoyne Blvd. Baptist Church over 200 homes were rebuilt, 17 new homes for elderly and disabled were built and over 5000 volunteers from Canada and the U.S. came through the church to help. Dick and Gail eventually moved to the area permanently, due to the amazing friends they had made through this experience. Richard loved to travel. He and Gail went on multiple cruises, a European vacation, served as volunteers at Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center in Ridgecrest, NC, RV travels to Western Canada, the Pacific Coast Highway, and across the U.S. They regularly attended Air Force and high school reunions for both he and Gail. Richard had traveled to many locations around the world, but the final trip back to England for the Fairford Weather Warriors Reunion, at the New Inn, Lechlade Thames was the one he had most looked forward to. He saw many old friends, some that he had not seen for over 40 years. During the trip to England, they traveled with fellow Hurricane Katrina volunteers, Jim and Ruth Huston. Together they toured Yorkshire, Wales, Scotland, the village of Bagby, and the Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) in Newberry. Dick was a packrat and saved EVERYTHING. Upon his passing Gail has found Boy Scout paraphernalia, a notebook of Korean war newspaper clippings he collected in elementary school, notebooks of communications he wrote to those under his command in Turkey, letters from his parents, pottery collected by his mother, and a host of random items that held a special place in his heart. If you ever gave him something, it may still be in a box in their garage. Dick was a sentimental soul, a true gentleman, and was known for his quick wit, smile, and generosity. A friend once said, Richard doesn t speak often, but when he does it is either funny or profound. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 8, 2021, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, with the visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. until time of the service. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery with full honors.

Dan Gordon Bellue, died on 12 February 2021 in Frisco TX. He was born on 17 December 1944, in New Orleans, LA. He grew up in Arkansas and Michigan and came to Texas to attend Baylor University, where he met his wife and love of his life, Judith Blackwood of Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Baylor with a BS degree in Mathematics and was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. From there he was sent to Texas A&M University to attend the US Air Force Basic Meteorology Training Program. This began a career in the field of meteorology that spanned over 40 years. His daughter, Erin, was born while Dan and Judy were at Texas A&M. From there they moved to England, where he served as a Weather Officer at RAF Wethersfield. While stationed at Wethersfield their son, Kyle, was born. Dan left active duty in the Air Force and returned to the United States to attend graduate school at Texas A&M to complete a Masters of Science degree in Meteorology. Dan maintained his affiliation with the military reserves through the Texas Air National Guard. Upon graduation, Dan took a job with the National Weather Service Forecast Office in New Orleans and worked in Weather Forecast Offices in San Antonio and Fort Worth, as well as the Air Route Traffic Control Center and the Southern Region Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1984 Dan accepted a job at NASA s Johnson Space Center in Clear Lake City, Texas providing weather support to the Space Shuttle program. After serving 22 years and 104 Space Shuttle missions, Dan retired from civil service. Dan retired as an Air Force Colonel in the Texas Air National Guard on 17 December 2004. Upon retirement, Dan fulfilled a life-long dream of teaching math and science in a Christian school and taught high school physics at McKinney Christian Academy and aviation meteorology at LeTourneau University. While Dan liked to golf, spend time at the gun range and not complete several woodworking projects in the garage, he loved to give of himself in serving his family, his students, and his local body of believers. Dan is survived by his loving wife, Judy, his daughter, Erin, his son, Kyle, daughter-in-law, Jeannene, granddaughters, Laynie and Addison, his brother John Bellue who lives in West Virginia, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

David Peter Pigors, MSgt.(Ret.), 79, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, passed away on May 6, 2021. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Vincent and Martha Kiser Pigors. He was also preceded in death by his son Anthony; and a brother Robert.

David retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 23 years of service. Upon leaving the service he completed a bachelor s degree in cartography and then returned to the Air Force as a civilian. He retired for the final time as a weather technical information specialist for the Air Force Combat Climatology Center in Asheville, North Carolina. David was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina after his retirement. He has left a lasting impact on those who knew him throughout his life, travels, and shenanigans.

David is survived by his wife Marilyn; sons, Christopher and William; and daughters, Erin and Megan; as well as seven granddaughters; one grandson; and five great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) BY CLICKING HERE, Feeding America BY CLICKING HERE, or your local food bank.

Max J Bokelman, 88, of Cupertino, CA peacefully passed away on January 12, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. Max was born on February 19,1932 to William and Marie (Poppe) Bokelman in the small town of Garrison, Nebraska. After Max graduated from David City high school in 1950 and 2 years working on his family s farm, Max joined the US Air Force where he worked in the Air Weather Service (AFGWC) and the National Security Agency. After a successful tour in government service, Max pursued a BA degree in accounting at University of Nebraska and later received a master s degree in management and supervision from Central Michigan University. After graduation, he worked for the US government in the Defense Contract Audit Agency for over 32 and a half years for a total of 36.5 years of service to his country. Max rose through the ranks as an auditor and manager eventually overseeing hundreds of staff across the US West. After retiring from the government, Max was recruited to consult with Coopers and Lybrand and Price Waterhouse. Max also volunteered throughout his life starting in 1962 at the Bethany Lutheran Church where he was deacon and the treasurer. From 1982 2015 Max served as treasurer, auditor and was on the Board of Elders and the Board of Stewardship for Our Savior Lutheran Church in Cupertino. In 1954, Max met Edith Elma Elizabeth Lofdahl at a roller rink in Omaha, Nebreaska. They married on June 24, 1956. Max and Edith went on to have two children, John Frederick Bokelman, MD (wife Beth Rogozinski) and Janet Marie (Bokelman) Thomas (husband Gary Thomas.) They also have three beloved grandchildren, Sloane (Thomas) Feeley (husband Brendan Feeley), Taylor (Thomas) Grimshaw (husband Thomas Grimshaw) and Garrison Thomas. Max was a quiet, hardworking man who prioritized his family and his faith. He put the needs of others before his own and spent his short vacation times traveling to see family or taking a group of his daughter s middle school aged friends or his son s boy scout troop camping. He hand built fences and decks for his family and custom made his house s cabinets and after retirement re-plumbed his whole house. He was creative, kind and industrious and helped family, neighbors and friends with any project that could use his can do attitude and DIY skills. Max touched many lives, teaching neighbor kids how to ride a bike, helping with house projects and even counseling and mentoring a prisoner at San Quentin and helping him get moved to a facility closer to his family. Max had a wry sense of humor and loved to laugh, was an avid hiker and an expert gardener tending to his garden and fruit trees. Max was predeceased in death by his sisters Eleanor (Bokelman) Wolff and Esther (Bokelman) Depue, and brothers Norman Bokelman, Leonard Bokelman and Kenneth Bokelman. Max is survived by his wife Edith and his children and grandchildren and his brothers William Bokelman of Texas, and Herman Bokelman of Florida and his sister Lola (Bokelman) Legget of Southern California. Private services were held at Lima and Capagna Mortuary and graveside at the Gate of Heaven cemetery.

 

Lt Col David S. Lydon, USAF (Ret.), of Colorado Springs, passed away on February 18, 2021, at the age of 84. Dave was born September 10, 1936 in San Diego, California, to Richard and Elizabeth Lydon.
He graduated from San Diego State University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts in Science, Math and Mechanical Engineering. Dave went on to join the U.S. Air Force serving as a meteorologist in the Air Weather Service. His assignments took him to South Korea; Riverside, CA; Berlin, Germany; Big Spring, TX; Washington D.C.; Azores; and Colorado Springs, CO. During his military career he earned his Master of Professional Meteorology from St. Louis University, was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and achieved the rank of Lt Colonel.
Dave was married to Joan Carol Rietesel August 10, 1963, in Chesterton, Indiana. In 1980 Dave and Joan moved their family to Colorado Springs, CO where he retired from the Air Force two years later. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Computer Resource Management from Webster University and worked for Unisys Defense Systems as Senior Systems Test Analyst, and also worked for Hughes STX, and Northrop Grumman in satellite communications and networking. In 2007 he retired. He was a member and deacon of First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, CO since 1982. Dave is survived by his wife Joan (married 57 years); brother Stephen Lydon; son Benjamin Lydon (Paula); daughter Carrie Larson (Joel); daughter Susannah Barnes (Loren); and grandchildren Rosemary, Amanda, Sondra, Christopher, and Matthew. Predeceased was his son Matthew Lydon.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on March 25, 2021. He will rest at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to Colorado Springs Downtown Lions Club, 1419 N. Tejon, Colorado Springs CO 80907.

Betty Sue Davis-French, spouse of Col USAF (Ret.) Larry French, 87, of Elizabethtown, KY, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, February 11, 2021. Bey Sue was born February 11, 1934 in Vine Grove, KY. At ten years old she accepted Christ as her savior at Vine Grove Methodist Church. At twelve years old, she started playing piano and later the organ for the Vine Grove Baptist Church. She performed as a varsity cheerleader at VGHS all four years. In 1952, she cheered VGHS basketball team for their first and only sweet sixteen tournament. Upon graduation, she received the DAR outstanding student award. In 2019, she was inducted into the North Hardin athletic hall of fame. On her first day at WKU she met her then Junior husband while signing up for classes. They had their first date a year later. They married on Valentines day in 1956 while her husband was in USAF flight school. During their many travels as a military family for thirty years, Bey Sue was an active officers wife and led the officers wives club at several bases. In 1994, they returned home together to Kentucky. Bey Sue was an active member of St. James Catholic Church, a member of DAR, and past president and past district governor for the E-town women's club. She is survived by her husband, Colonel Larry French; her daughter, Suzanne (Shawn) O'Donnell of St. Michaels, Maryland; son-in-law, Kevin Welp of Elizabethtown; and three grandchildren, Kyle O'Donnell of Maryland, Ryan (Kelly) O'Donnell of North Carolina and Jessica Welp of Elizabethtown. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nannie Lewis Davis and Lawrence Davis; her sister, Doris Stovall; and her youngest daughter, Lara Welp. A memorial service will be held at a later date due to Covid-19. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please donate to hps://hosparushealth.org/donate/ Condolences may be expressed online at www.brownfuneral.com.

http://www.brownfuneral.comGlenn FullerDr. Glenn L. Fuller, Lt Col USAF (Ret.) was born in Middlebury Center, PA 31 August 1930 and passed on 9 February 2021 at his home in Memphis, TN. He had a distinguished career of 25+ years as a Meteorologist in the USAF, retiring as a Lt Col in 1975. He served in two wars Korea (Weather Reconnaissance) and Vietnam (Deputy Squadron Commander/Operations Officer.) Among his awards was the Distinguish Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Metal, Air Medal with two OLC, the Bronze Star, Korean Service Ribbon w/four OLC, Korean War Service Medal, etc... Returning from Vietnam he taught USAF ROTC at the University of Memphis. After ROTC he was assigned to the Air Force Global Weather Center in Omaha, NE as the Assistant Director of Operations for Communications. After retiring he worked for approximately 15 years at the University of Memphis. Glenn graduated from Omaha Municipal University (BGE), Florida State (BS), and the University of Memphis (MS, Ed.D.) He is survived by his wife Dorothy of 68 years, two sons, Wayne, and Matthew, one daughter Leslie Ann Olswanger, two granddaughters Jennifer and Tara and two sisters who live in Pennsylvania. Glenn and Dorothy were charter members of the Air Weather Association and were members of many professional, military and civic organizations. Donations in Glenn s memory can be made to the Emmanuel Methodist Church, Parkinson's Foundation, or a charity of choice. Services and memorial information at
https://www.memorialparkfuneralandcemetery.com/obituaries/Glenn-Fuller-2/

 

David smartLt. Col. David Earl Smart (USAF Retired) passed away peacefully February 2, 2021 in Columbus, GA.
David was born August 18, 1935 in Greer, SC. He was the only child of Thurman and Ethel Smart (nee Moody) and grew up in Liberty, SC before moving to Greenwood, SC. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1953 then enrolled at Clemson Agricultural College (now Clemson University). At the time, Clemson was an all-male military school and this is where he began his long military career. He graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Textile Engineering and one week later on June 9, 1957, David married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Alexander.  After graduation from Clemson, David received his Air Force commission and joined the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. He and Barbara immediately moved to Texas where he enrolled at Texas A&M receiving a second Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology in 1958. David later attended a continuing education program at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu and eventually earned a Master s Degree in Management from Webster University.  David was a member of the US Air Force Air Weather Service for his entire military career. While stationed in Puerto Rico, David supported the Hurricane Hunter team dangerously flying directly into hurricanes to gather critical weather information. In 1968, David served in Thailand and Vietnam as a meteorology officer supporting combat flight operations in a leadership role during the Vietnam War. David was ceremoniously awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious action in Vietnam and was recognized with additional service commendations. After Vietnam, David and his family were stationed in London, England for several years.  After a long and distinguished military career having lived in Texas (twice), New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Alabama (twice), Nebraska, England, Illinois and Georgia, David retired from the Air Force in 1984 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He and his family remained in Columbus, GA where he had served his last military assignment at Fort Benning. His fondness of the mild climate, his close friends in Columbus and finally being near his family roots made the choice of staying in the Southeast and particularly, Columbus, an easy decision.  His working career was not over as he went to work in the private sector in Columbus for Morton Machine Works as a Procurement Manager. He later joined Lummus Supply and then served as Business Manager at St. Paul United Methodist Church before finally deciding to enjoy the remainder of his life in retirement.  David was very active in the Columbus community. He served on the Brookstone Homeowners Association Board and was Secretary of the Columbus Exchange Club for many years. He volunteered as an usher at both St. Paul United Methodist and St. Luke United Methodist Churches. In addition, he found time to volunteer as a golf cart driver at Martin Army Hospital, Fort Benning helping patients and visitors get from their cars to the front door. David was also one of the founding members of the Chattahoochee Valley Clemson Club where he loved spending time with the Clemson football coaching staff when they visited the Columbus area. He and Barbara enjoyed attending shows at the Springer Opera House and River Center, cheering on the Clemson football team at games in Death Valley and watching their two grandsons participate in sporting and school events in the Atlanta area.  He and Barbara loved to travel the world on ocean and river cruises. In addition to visiting such places as Russia and Israel, David was particularly fond of riding camels in Egypt. Throughout his life, he stepped foot on every continent except Antarctica. As their world travels slowed down, they made up for it enjoying retirement at Spring Harbor in Columbus where they participated in many social activities and had a tremendous group of friends.   David was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He proudly served our country and was a man of great Christian faith. We will miss him always.  He was proceeded in death by his parents and by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara Smart. His death followed hers by only 11 days and we are comforted by knowing they are together eternally.  He is survived by his son, Tony Smart and his wife Susie of Suwanee, GA; his daughter Lisa Walker and her husband Richard of Roswell, GA; his grandsons Michael Smart and Evan Smart of Suwanee, GA; his sister-in-law Betty Avery and brother-in-law Frank Alexander of Clinton, SC; his niece Kim Windsor and four nephews Greg, Kevin, Tim and Todd Alexander all of Clinton, SC.  A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907. David will have a private burial with full military honors at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).

Raymond A. Buzz Kandler, LtCol USAF (Ret.), 73, of New Baden, IL born Sept. 22, 1947 in Milwaukee, WI died, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 at his home. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and a mentor of the Robo Raiders FTC 7129 in Mascoutah, IL. Buzz was part of many horseshoe leagues and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers fan. He was extremely proud to attend the Ice Bowl at Lambeau Field in 1967. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond H. and Edith, nee Fossum, Kandler. He is survived by his wife, Susan, nee Reisner, Kandler who he married in Cecil, WI on June 15, 1969; a son, Kyle (Josephine) Kandler of New Baden, IL; two daughters, Karen Lea (Eric) Saemann of Deerfield, WI, Kelly Kandler of New York, NY; seven grandchildren, Randy (Sally) Arcega, Jinky Arcega, Mark (Gladys) Arcega, Jose (Chantell) Arcega, Kricia (Raphael Cruz) Kandler; Geoffrey and Meghan Saemann; eight great grandchildren, Geross, Ian, Nia, Quinton, Zander, Madison, Hayden, and Maddux Arcega; three sisters, Kathy Johnson of Green Bay, WI, Kristen Berken of Madison, WI, and Judy Steffens of Green Bay, WI; also survived by numerous, nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 101 S. Railway St., Mascoutah, IL 62258. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com. Visitation: From 5 to 8 PM Monday, Feb. 8, 2021 at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL and from 9:30 to 10:30 AM Tuesday, Feb. 9th, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church, Mascoutah, IL. COVID-19 restrictions will be followed, face coverings required, and social distancing, with a limited number of visitors in the funeral home and church at any time. A funeral service will be held 10:30 AM on Tuesday, Feb. 9th, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Kirk Clayton officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

James R. Raudy, Capt USAF (Ret.), 77, passed away on January 21, 2021 at UCI Hospital, Orange, CA, with family at his bedside. He was born in the Portland, OR area on November 25, 1943, the son of John B. and Veldna E. (Hill) Raudy. James graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1961. He served as a meteorologist in the USAF and retired as a Captain. He entered the military as an enlisted man and his brother, John H. Raudy, Lt. Col., US Army, swore him in as a 2nd Lt. While in the military, he met and married his sweetheart, Sally Jennings, and they eventually settled in Vacaville, CA. They met in a bowling alley in England and shared their love of the sport throughout their lives. After retiring from the military, Jim secured a position as a staff meteorologist for the State of California and retired after serving for over 20 years. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his spouse, Sally, and his brother, John. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Grace E. (Crozat) Raudy; nephews, Daniel R. and John H. Raudy; niece, Laurie A. (Raudy) Meredith; sister-in-law, Ann Stewart; brother-in-law, Bob Stewart; nephew, Daren M. Stewart; and his beloved poodle, Biscuit. Per his request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to your local Humane Society.

Albert W. Starbird, 97, died at home in Solon, ME, Jan. 2, 2021. He was born in Skowhegan Nov. 4, 1923., the only child of Elwyn and Nellie Brophy Starbird. Al is survived by Lois, his wife of 71 years; his son David A. of Solon, and his wife, Cathie, his daughter Barbara A. of Solon, his daughter Karen L. of Dunstable, Mass., and his son, Alan D. of Dunstable, Mass. and his wife, Patti. Al is also survived by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. After graduating from Solon High School in 1941, Al attended the University of Maine for one semester before joining the United States Army Air Corps 15th Weather Squadron, where he was a weather observer in New Guinea (WWII Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1946). Despite contracting malaria, Al returned to the University of Maine in 1946, receiving a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1949. He also took courses in Business Administration and Forestry. Al continued his engineering education in the 60s and 70s and received his M.S. in Engineering Management from Northeastern University, Mass in 1971. While attending the University of Maine, Al met Lois Deering of Denmark. They were married on June 18, 1949 in Orono. Following his graduation, Al worked at the family lumber mill in Solon. In 1952, he left Solon Lumber Company for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut. He worked there for seven years, mostly in the area of nuclear powered aircraft. From 1959 to 1982, Al worked for Technical Operations in Burlington, Mass., the Datametrics Division of CGS Scientific Corp in Watertown, Mass., and Littleton Research and Engineering Corp in Littleton, Mass. During that time, he worked in numerous fields including nuclear shielding, vibrations analysis and ship superstructure analysis. In 1982, Al moved back to Solon, returned to the Maine woods, and established Starbird Timberlands. Al s main interests were in the outdoors. He hunted and fished from an early age and played baseball in high school and college. A promising college baseball pitching career was limited due to the malaria he acquired during his military service. He had the unique experience of being hit by lightning twice. Albert returned to Solon from years in engineering and spent his last years as he began them involved with the Maine woods. After returning to Solon, he loved snowmobiling and ATV riding, to keep an eye on things in the woods and fields. He was able to do this into his mid-90s. Al was active in many organizations and town offices. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Mechanical Engineering Society, the Air Weather Association and the 15WS and 20WS Alumni Association where he enjoyed attending the reunions. He was a Mason and a member of Keystone Lodge of Solon, Royal Arch Chapter, Commandry, a member of the Aleppo Shrine in Massachusetts, and the Kora Shrine in Maine. Al was on the Solon Planning Board and the Solon Budget Committee. He was a charter member and treasurer of the Solon Historical Society and an active member of the Solon Snowhawks Snowmobile Club. Al was member of the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway Committee, which was instrumental in developing the scenic rest area on Robbins Hill. A memorial service and burial will take place in Solon sometime in the spring. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at website: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org

Susan WaldenSusan M. (Bon) Walden, 72 of Williamsburg Virginia, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021. The daughter of George Bon and Helen (Wiederhold) Bon, she was born in Syracuse, New York on April 13, 1948.
Sue graduated from Fayetteville Manlius High School in the Class of 1966. Enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1969 and stationed in Omaha, Nebraska, she met Steve Walden and they were married. Their son was born in 1971 when Sue received her discharge and followed her husband to assignments across the country. In 1983, they returned to Omaha, where their son Christopher was kidnapped and killed. The Air Force suggested moving out of the Omaha area and sent them to Langley AFB in Hampton, Virginia. Sue was active with the Officer Wives clubs during their active-duty days. She was elected to the OWC boards a total of six times on three different bases.

After Steve retired, Sue took a variety of jobs on the Virginia peninsula. She also continued her charitable endeavors and was on the board of Sentara Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing tennis, bowling, Mahjong and playing with her fur babies.

Sue was preceded in death by her mother, father and her son, Christopher. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Steve.

In trying to protect those who are vulnerable during this time, there will be no funeral or memorial service in Virginia. Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St Louis, MO in the near future.

Rich VogtRetired Colonel Richard J Vogt passed away January 8, 2021 due to the COVID-19 virus.  He was born on March 31, 1945 to Herb & Ella Vogt in Elk City OK. He grew up in Corn, Oklahoma and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Chemistry from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He earned his Master of Science degree in Meteorology from Texas A&M University.  Colonel (Retired) Vogt was a decorated US Air Force veteran who spent more than 25 years committed to the service of his country. He was a meteorologist and his career included executive level experience as a colonel in a variety of key leadership positions. He served in diverse locations throughout the United States as well as overseas in Korea, Japan and Germany. His duty assignments included war zones in Vietnam and Iraq. He received numerous military awards, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal.  Following his Air Force career, he served in the federal civil service for 21 years as Deputy Director and Director of US Nexrad Radar Operations Center (ROC) in Norman, OK.  In his retirement he volunteered at the Weatherford Food & Resource Center. He was active in his faith and sang in the chancel choir and served on the Board of Trustees at First United Methodist Church.  Those left to cherish Richard s memory include Cheryl, his wife of 55 years, his daughters Corinne Hipps (Daniel) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Kelly Poarch (Scott) of Frisco, Texas. Grandchildren Max, Sam and Taylor. Sisters Mary Anne Couch and Karol Dillard (Charles) of Weatherford. He had numerous loved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  He was a humble, soft spoken, reserved and hard-working man. He cherished his entire family and adored his grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Weatherford Food & Resource Center, 122 S. 8th Street, Weatherford OK 73096. 

Further information at:  https://www.lockstonefuneralhome.com/obituary/richard-vogt

 



Ralph Dempsey Crago,(LtCol. Ret) 96, of Swansea, Illinois, born Saturday, September 15, 1923 in Chillicothe, Ohio, peacefully entered his heavenly home on Friday, July 3, 2020 at home in Swansea. He was the son of Arthur H. Crago and Carrie B. nee Dempsey of Chillicothe, Ohio. He had a long, happy marriage of 63 years to Edith Mae McKean from Warren, Ohio. Ralph was a veteran of three wars, WWII, Korea, & Viet Nam. He served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps and later in the United States Air Force. He remained in the Reserves after WWII and when called back to serve during Korea, he decided to become a career officer in the USAF.  He spent his Air Force career in Air Weather Service serving at Shemya AFB, Alaska; Nashville & Knoxville Tennessee; Anderson AFB, Guam; Offutt AFB, Nebraska; USAFE headquarters, Wiesbaden, Germany; and Scott AFB, Illinois.  While stationed on Guam, a major part of his job was to fly WB-50's into typhoons to gather weather data, many times flying home on a "wing and a prayer". He retired in 1968 as a Lieutenant Colonel. After his military career, he was employed as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the State of Missouri for 17 years. Ralph was a graduate of Centralia High School in Chillicothe, Ohio. He was the last surviving graduate of the Class of 1941. He attended The Ohio State University for 3 1/2 years when he was called back to serve during Korea. He completed his Bachelors in Mathematics at Maryville College in Tennessee and later received a Masters in Guidance Counseling from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He was a life-long Methodist and a member of Union United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL. He served alongside his wife as Sunday School superintendent and Youth group leader in multiple churches and was active on many Boards and committees within the church. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and Retired Officer's Association. Ralph was a farm-boy at heart, an avid reader, rarely missed an Ohio State football game, and loved being with his family. Though very quiet in nature, even until his last days, he was quick to provide sage advice to his sister, children, and grandchildren. One of his Air Force ER's stated that "when Ralph speaks you better listen." He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother, Arthur Gene Crago. He is survived by his sister, June C. Ginther of Chillicothe, Ohio; his children: Carrie D. Crago of Swansea, Illinois, and Ralph D. (Jill) Crago, Jr. of Gilbert, Arizona; his grandchildren: Claire, William, Vincent, Emily, Libbi, and Shaelani Crago and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials, In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Union United Methodist Church - Music Ministry, or the Wounded Warrior Project. Visitation: Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2020 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois. Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2020 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Rev. Dennis D. Price officiating. Interment will be held at Grandview Cemetery in Chillicothe, Ohio on Thursday, July 16, 2020.

 

 

 

 

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